Leprosy
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is rarely seen in the United States, but it is common in developing countries and is one of the leading causes of peripheral neuropathy worldwide. Leprosy is a chronic bacterial disease involving the skin and nerves. It is characterized by potentially disfiguring skin lesions, peripheral nerve damage, and progressive debilitation. Neurological damage caused by leprosy may result in sensory loss, particularly in the hands and feet. Leprosy is difficult to transmit from person-to-person and has a long incubation period, which makes it difficult to determine where or when the disease in a particular individual was contracted. Children are more susceptible than adults to contracting the disease.
SYMPTOMS
(Not all symptoms and signs may be present.)
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness, pain or tingling in feet or hands
- Skin lesions
EVALUATION AND TESTS
(Not all evaluation and tests may be necessary.)
TREATMENT AND THERAPY
(Not all treatments and therapies may be indicated.)
- Antibiotics
- Corticosteroids
- Multidrug therapy:
- Diaphenylsulfone (Dapsone®),
- Rifampicin (Rifadin®)
- Clofazimine (Lamprene®)
- Physical therapy / splints
- Surgery may be necessary
- Take safety measures to compensate for loss of sensation
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