Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a disease that can cause damage to the nerves and eyes.There is a cure for the disease.Those with Leprosy can live normal lives if they are treated correctly.
Step 1: Seek care as quickly as possible.
Most patients can continue their lives if they are treated for leprosy.When the disease is treated and you take the medication, you are no longer contagious to others.Leprosy can cause serious problems with the limbs, eyes, skin, and nerves if left unaddressed.
Step 2: Don't spread the disease to others.
There is a moderately contagious disease called Hansen's disease.It can be spread by coughing or sneezing.To prevent airborne droplets from spreading the disease to others, cover your face when you cough or sneeze.
Step 3: Have your doctor look at you.
Leprosy can be a skin disease or a more severe form.The treatment plan you follow depends on the form of leprosy you have.Your doctor can tell you what's going on.It is possible to be diagnosed with leprosy as paucibacillary or multiBACillary.A case of leprosy can be classified as either tuberculoid or lepromatous.
Step 4: Your doctor will give you multiple drug treatment.
A number of antibiotics are prescribed to treat leprosy.The drugs kill the bacterium that causes the disease and cure people who have it.Depending on your case of leprosy, your doctor will prescribe medications.The World Health Organization gives the MDT free to patients around the world.The National Hansen's Disease Program provides medication for leprosy in the United States.You can't spread the disease if you start taking the medications.You don't have to be isolated.In many cases of leprosy, daily and/or monthly doses of dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine may be prescribed.If the disease only affects the skin, patients should take the medication for six months.Multibacillary cases can be treated for one year in the United States.The patient may be able to treat the disease with a single dose of dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine.Multiple treatments may be required to cure multibacillary cases.Drug resistance to these medications is rare.The side effects of these drugs are mild.If you have questions, talk to your doctor.
Step 5: Take your antibiotics.
Continue to take the antibiotics your doctor prescribes, according to the directions you have been given.If you don't take the antibiotics, you could get sick again.
Step 6: You should monitor your progress for any side effects.
Talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your condition.Neuritis, silent neuropathies, pain, burning, and sudden numbness are some of the things that can happen to Leprosy patients.This can be treated with steroids.If not treated, it can cause permanent injury and loss of function.Iridocyclitis is inflammation of the eye's iris.You will need to see an eye specialist if that is the case.It can be treated with special drops, but permanent damage can occur if it is not treated.Inflammation of a testis can also occur.If you notice this symptom, you should let your doctor know as it can lead to sterility.Leprosy can cause blisters on the foot.You doctor can use splints, special footwear, and dressing of the wounds to reduce this problem.The nerve damage and skin problems associated with leprosy can cause disfiguration and loss of function in the hands and feet.Plans to prevent and/or manage these symptoms can be provided by your physician.
Step 7: It's important to take care of yourself.
numbness can be caused by leprosy.You might harm the area without realizing it if you don't notice when the numb area is in pain.Be careful to avoid injuries like burns and cuts.If you have numbness in your legs, wearing gloves or shoes can protect you.
Step 8: Continue to see the doctor.
As you recover, keep a record of your progress and any symptoms you have.Continue to see your doctor if you have any questions.