These skin problems are symptoms of leprosy, know how to prevent them

The cases of leprosy in India have reduced compared to before, but even today cases of this disease are reported. In some cases, people are not able to recognize the initial symptoms of this disease. Later this disease spreads to many parts of the body. Let us know about leprosy from dermatologist Dr. Soumya Sachdeva.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease. This disease is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. This disease has been controlled to a great extent in India. Its cases are also decreasing every year, although even today some cases of this disease occur in states like Jharkhand, UP, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. This disease occurs at any age. Leprosy is a disease that has been going on for many decades, which can spread from one person to another. This disease damages the skin and even the nervous system. Even today there is a lack of awareness among people regarding this disease.

Some people still feel that there is no cure for leprosy, but in the year 1995 itself, WHO had developed multi-drug therapy, which is effective in treating this disease.

infectious disease

Dr. Soumya Sachdeva, Dermatologist at Max Hospital, says that leprosy is treatable and if treatment is given in the early stages, the patient can be prevented from becoming disabled. Dr. Soumya says that this disease can spread from one patient to another through continuous contact with an infected person and through droplets from the nose and mouth. Symptoms of leprosy can appear within a year and may take 20 years or more to appear. This disease usually starts with lesions on the skin.

What are the symptoms of leprosy?

pale (hypopigmented) or red skin

muscle weakness

Skin rashes (non-itchy)

Scars and lumps on the skin that don't go away

what is the treatment

Dr. Soumya says that WHO recommends rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine for all leprosy patients. The treatment period with these medicines is 6 months for PB leprosy and 12 months for MB leprosy. Leprosy also has to be treated for the entire period. If there is negligence in treatment then this disease spreads to other parts of the body also.