Leprosy or leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a disease caused by bacteria and can cause skin lesions and defects, damage to nerves and eyes, and other problems. Fortunately, the disease can be treated using drugs. If treated properly, people with leprosy can lead normal lives and recover from the disease.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Seeking Treatment
Step 1. Seek treatment as soon as possible
Leprosy can be treated with medication, and most patients can continue their normal lives after treatment. The disease is slightly contagious if left untreated, and once the sufferer takes the medication, he or she can no longer pass it on to others. However, leprosy can cause serious problems in the limbs (feet and hands), eyes, skin, and nerves if left untreated.
Step 2. Be careful not to transmit leprosy to others
Hansen's disease is quite contagious if left untreated. The disease can be transmitted through the air, for example when you sneeze or cough. Remember to cover your face when you cough or sneeze to prevent nasal secretions from spreading the disease to others through the air until you can see a doctor and start treatment.
Step 3. Ask the doctor to determine the type of leprosy you have
Sometimes leprosy only manifests as skin lesions, and sometimes it is more serious. The main treatment plan followed will depend on the type of leprosy experienced. Doctors can diagnose this.
- Leprosy can be diagnosed as paucibacillary or multibacillary (more severe).
- Leprosy cases are also classified as tuberculoid or lepromatous (more serious, causing large bumps and nodules on the skin).
Step 4. Take multiple drug treatment (MDT) given by a doctor
A number of antibiotics (usually a combination of dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine) are prescribed to treat leprosy. These drugs will kill the bacteria that causes leprosy (Mycobacterium leprae) and heal the sufferer. Doctors will prescribe medicines to take based on certain cases of leprosy experienced by the patient.
- The World Health Organization or WHO provides free MDT for people with leprosy around the world through the Ministry of Health of their respective countries. In Indonesia, treatment for leprosy is provided by the Government of Indonesia, in this case through the Ministry/Ministry of Health.
- After starting to take the drug, the patient can no longer transmit leprosy to others. People with leprosy do not need to be quarantined.
- In many cases of leprosy, daily/monthly doses of dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine can be prescribed for 24 months.
- If leprosy only shows symptoms of skin lesions, the patient can be advised to take these drugs for six months.
- In Indonesia, cases of leprosy with the multibacillary type require 1 year of treatment and the paucibacillary type takes 6 months.
- If leprosy manifests as a single skin lesion, the patient can treat it only with a single dose of dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine.
- This type of multibacillary leprosy requires a number of medical therapies to be cured.
- Drug resistance to these treatments is rare.
- Side effects of these drugs are generally mild. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about leprosy.
Part 2 of 2: Controlling Symptoms and the Healing Process
Step 1. Take the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor
Continue taking the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor according to the instructions given. If you do not take antibiotics as directed, you can get leprosy again.
Step 2. Monitor the development of any side effects or complications
Consult a doctor if you notice changes in your body condition, feel pain, etc. Generally, leprosy patients are prone to the following complications:
- Neuritis, silent neuropathy (painless nerve damage), pain, burning sensation, tingling, and numbness may suddenly occur. These complications can be treated with corticosteroids. If left untreated, these complications can lead to injury or permanent loss of function.
- Iridocyclitis, or inflammation of the iris of the eye, may also occur. If iridocyclitis occurs, you should see an ophthalmologist immediately. Iridocyclitis can be treated with special drops but can cause permanent damage if left untreated.
- Orchitis, or inflammation of the testicles, may also occur. Orchitis can be treated with corticosteroids, but tell your doctor right away if you notice the gel because it can cause infertility.
- Leprosy can cause ulcers on the feet. Doctors can develop a treatment plan to relieve the problem by using special splinting footwear and dressing the wound.
- Nerve damage and skin problems associated with leprosy can cause disability and loss of function in the hands and feet. A plan to prevent and/or control these symptoms, according to the case you are experiencing, can be provided by a doctor.
Step 3. Take care to avoid injury
Leprosy can cause numbness. If this happens, you will not notice if the affected area is numb to pain and the area can be injured unnoticed. Take extreme care to avoid injuries such as burns and lacerations to the numbed area.
Wearing gloves or special footwear can protect yourself if numbness occurs in your feet and hands
Step 4. Continue to see the doctor
Monitor your progress during the healing process, and record any symptoms you experience. Keep seeing your doctor to monitor your condition, and be sure to ask any questions you have.
Tips
- Contact the doctor regarding questions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy.
- Most of the world's population (about 95%) is immune to the bacteria that causes leprosy.
- Armadillos can carry leprosy, so avoid these animals, especially if you are visiting areas in the southern United States.
- Traditionally, leprosy was considered a highly contagious disease, and sufferers were isolated and quarantined. Current facts show that leprosy is not contagious if treated, but there may still be social stigma about the disease. Ask for support from family, friends, and counselors if you're feeling anxious.
