Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) Treatment in Indore

About Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease)

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, eyes, and lining of the upper respiratory tract.

Leprosy is slowly progressive: the physical symptoms may only become apparent years after bacterial infection. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent permanent nerve damage, disfigurement, and disability.

Description/ Symptoms

Leprosy presents in different forms, depending on the immune response, ranging from mild to severe: tuberculoid to lepromatous.

Common symptoms include:

Light or reddish skin patches with loss of sensation

Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or limbs

Muscle weakness or paralysis, especially of the hands and feet

Thickened nerves, usually around the elbows, knees, or neck

Ulcers on the soles of the feet

Eye-related maladies may result in blindness if not treated.

It is not a highly contagious disease; therefore, its spread occurs by prolonged close contact with untreated patients through droplets from the nose or mouth.

Treatment Options

Leprosy is indeed curable with early diagnosis and proper medication.

The WHO recommends Multidrug Therapy (MDT), which includes the following:

• Dapsone

• Rifampicin

• Clofazimine

Treatment duration depends on the type of leprosy:

Paucibacillary [PB] Leprosy: 6 months

Multibacillary (MB) Leprosy: 12 months or longer

Other supportive treatments include:

Anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and nerve inflammation.

Physiotherapy to maintain mobility and prevent deformities.

Reconstructive surgery for severe nerve damage or ulcers.

Early treatment stops transmission and prevents disabilities.

Prevention Tips

Early detection and treatment of the affected to prevent its spread.

Avoid close contact with untreated cases.

Maintain personal hygiene and overall skin health.

Educate communities to reduce stigma and encourage treatment.

Regular health check-ups in high-risk areas or families.

Improve immunity through a balanced diet and proper rest.

What NOT to Do

Numb skin patches or loss of sensation should not be ignored; seek immediate medical help.

❌ Do not interrupt the treatment; rather, complete the course of MDT. ❌ Do not isolate or discriminate against the patients; leprosy is curable. Avoid using herbal or home remedies without a doctor's advice. ❌ Never self-diagnose; always consult a dermatologist or leprosy specialist.