World Leprosy Day

World Leprosy Day

Sunday marks World Leprosy Day. Leprosy is historically first mentioned in the Bible and was found in ancient civilizations. Jesus is mentioned as taking care of lepers. While this is a biblical affiliation, it is still a human disease. Today there are over 16,000,000 people in the world who have a form of leprosy cured.

What is Leprosy?

Leprosy is a bacterial infection stemming from M. leprae, and M. lepromatosis. Leprosy is transmitted through nasal droplets, and the risk of infection increases with the number of times exposed. Symptoms include rashes, skin bumps, sores, and usually results in nerve damage. Skin biopsies are needed to make a proper diagnosis. If you think you may have any of these symptoms, please consult your primary care physician.

Forms of Leprosy

There are two forms of leprosy. These are Tuberculoid and Lepromatous. Tuberculoid is the lesser form of leprosy. According to WebMD, “people with this type have only one or a few patches of flat, pale-colored skin (paucibacillary leprosy). The affected area of skin may feel numb because of nerve damage underneath. Tuberculoid leprosy is less contagious than other forms.”

Lepromatous is much more severe that Tuberculoid. This has, “widespread skin bumps and rashes (multibacillary leprosy), numbness, and muscle weakness. The nose, kidneys, and male reproductive organs may also be affected. It is more contagious than tuberculoid leprosy.”

Treatment

Generally, most diseases can be at least treated. Fortunately, leprosy is actually curable. The World Health Organization treats leprosy for free. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection, but may not work as well if the infection is severe enough. anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat nerve damage and pain.

Final Thoughts

Do you know anyone who has had leprosy? Were they cured? Do you know of any other statistics that are beneficial?