Early Leprosy Treatment Helps Avoid Disease Progression and Disability
Leprosy is a debilitating chronic disease affecting mainly the skin, mucosal membranes and nerves of the skin. It is a multisystem disorder that causes permanent damage to the skin and surrounding tissues of the arms, legs, and trunk of most patients. The disease predominantly affects the elderly; however, it has been reported that even young children may be at risk. Although there is no specific genetic factor for the disease, age is a common precipitating factor. In addition, leprosy can have an unpredictable pattern of progression; thus, the disease may become more or less severe over time. One of the many facts about leprosy is that the causative agent cannot be permanently eradicated from the body. In order to control the progression of the infection in leprosy treatment , the patient must take preventive measures in order to slow down the spread of the causative agent. Prophylactic treatment is administered to prevent further rash production. Persons affect...