It is a chronic infectious disease that causes skin lesions, muscle weakness and neurological damage.
The cause is bacteria that are transmitted from person to person, through the drops released into the air with coughing or sneezing. It is rare because the immune response of the body usually fights the bacteria and does not allow the disease to occur.
It manifests in the form of cutaneous lesions (protuberances of different sizes, ulcers), decreased sensitivity in the arms and legs due to neurological damage and muscle weakness. In more advanced cases and without treatment, deformities of the limbs appear, the hair and the mucosa of the mouth and nose are lost, which is why it can lead to an important physical deterioration.
The diagnosis is reached through a general physical examination that includes a study of the sensitivity of the limbs. Suspicion can be confirmed by biopsy of the skin lesions.
The treatment is based on a combination of antibiotics, which slow the progression of the disease and cure it in most cases. It is very important to start treatment early because it has been shown to improve its effectiveness. Once the person is receiving treatment, it is no longer contagious. If you have been in contact with someone with leprosy who is not in treatment, go to a doctor to rule out the disease.
- M. Corachán, B. Sanz. Lepra. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 2308:2312.
- R. H. Gelber. Lepra. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Decimonovena edición. 1122:1128.
- UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Epidemiology, microbiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of leprosy; [citado el 12 de julio de 2017]. Disponible en:http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-microbiology-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-leprosy?source=search_result&search=lepra&selectedTitle=1~63
- MedlinePlus. Rockville. 2017. Lepra; [citado el 12 de julio de 2017]. Disponible en: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/001347.htm
