Definition
Leprosy, otherwise known as Hansen’s Disease, is a bacterial disease, caused by Mycobacterium Leprae infection.
History
First seen in Egypt and the Far East 600 years before the birth of Christ, leprosy became a rampant plague in Europe during the thirteenth century, thriving amidst the unsanitary conditions of heavily populated communities. With no effective treatment available to combat the disease, segregation of the afflicted Lepers was employed in an attempt to prevent more widespread outbreak. Lepers were sent to colonies, or Lazar Houses, named for their patron saint Lazarus. There, they lived the remainder of their lives in a sub-sect of society comprised of fellow lepers. The disease still exists in modern times, with cases occurring most frequently in residents of impoverished regions, or among the population of communities widely afflicted with other infectious diseases (ex. HIV/AIDS). Children are also more likely to become infected than adults, as their immune systems are less developed.
Symptoms
One of the earliest symptoms of the leprosy disease is the appearance of skin lesions. These lesions will appear lighter in color than the rest of one’s skin and will become insensitive to heat or touch. While the presence of skin lesions is the main indicative symptom of leprosy, other issues may include a tingling or numbing sensation in the extremities, or sore and weak muscles.
Diagnosis
Identifying leprosy early allows for a greater chance of successful treatment. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any leprosy symptoms. Your general physician can ascertain if further testing by a specialist may be necessary. The test for diagnosis of the disease is a skin biopsy, in which a piece of lesioned skin is removed. The extent of the biopsy incision will depend largely on the location and severity of the skin lesions. The deeper the lesion, the deeper the biopsy sample will have to be cut in order to provide accurate results Deep skin biopsies may require stitches or skin grafts in extreme cases. The biopsy skin sample is then tested for the bacteria which causes leprosy. Cases of leprosy in the United States are required by law to be reported to the Center for Disease Control.
Treatment
Leprosy is treated with the prescription of antibiotics. The type and specific dosage of these antibiotics will depend on the type and severity of the condition. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
Prognosis
If diagnosed and treated during the early stages of the disease, an infected patient can be rid or the bacterial infection and live a normal life. Some scarring may occur where the skin lesions appeared, or where the skin biopsy was performed. If left untreated, over time leprosy can cause external disfigurement, damage to internal organs and nerves, or death.
Community
People suffering from leprosy can find a community of caring, concerned individuals to assist them through their treatment and rehabilitation in the American Leprosy Mission, or The World Health Organization (WHO). These resources can also provide information about regional or local support groups for patients or family members of patients with the affliction.
