The skin is the largest organ in the human body and also one of the most sensitive, which means it is susceptible to contracting various types of diseases that can range from simple cases resolved in just one day, like acne, to major problems, such as skin cancer or leprosy, for example.

One disease that can be considered a serious skin issue is leprosy, caused by a bacterium that leaves the affected person with very specific symptoms. Although it does not pose any enormous risk to life specifically, it can have some consequences that interfere with the daily life of those who have it and, for this reason, proper treatment is required.

Prejudice

In addition to all the risks this disease can bring to a person’s health, there is also prejudice from those who do not understand the subject well. This type of behavior is historical, as people with leprosy in the past were often seen as incurable patients who would spread their disease to others, which isolated them and increased the associated stigma.

Even today, after many years and advances in research, many people still avoid being near people infected with leprosy, much more out of lack of knowledge than any other reason, but it is still a negative aspect that the disease carries with it.

But to clearly understand all aspects of leprosy, it is necessary to discuss what it is, what it causes, and what treatments are available for this disease.

What is Leprosy?

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a skin disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, also called Hansen’s bacillus, named after the researcher who identified it, Armauer Hansen.

It causes whitish patches on the skin but also affects the peripheral nerves, causing the person to experience deformities or even physical disabilities. It is important to note that leprosy is a contagious disease transmitted through the air or saliva. However, this transmission only occurs when a patient is not yet undergoing treatment; that is, after starting treatment, there is no risk of contracting the disease.

This is one of the oldest diseases known to humanity, with reports from China dating back more than 4,000 years. Until relatively recently, public health policies determined that the best way to combat the disease was to isolate infected people from others, which only increased the existing prejudice.

It was only just over 30 years ago that the treatment approaches for the disease began to change radically, along with campaigns to help people better understand leprosy and reduce the associated stigma. Today, the number of cases is truly declining, as is the lack of information among many people.

Causes of Leprosy

As we mentioned earlier, leprosy is caused by a bacterium that enters the body and settles in the skin and peripheral nerves. There are basically two ways to contract this bacterium: the first is exposure to environments with inadequate hygienic conditions, which favors its growth.

The second is direct contact with the bacterium through another person who has it, since contagion can occur through air or saliva, which is why preventing transmission is crucial.

How is Leprosy Diagnosed?

Leprosy needs to be diagnosed by a dermatologist, who can identify it through analysis of the patches and symptoms. Based on these analyses, some tests are performed to ensure the patient is truly infected.

The main tests performed are sensitivity tests, which measure things like pain, response to light exposure, and touch, as well as laboratory tests, which may even require a small scraping from a lesion for more in-depth clinical analysis.

Treatment for Leprosy

Although it is a disease that brings numerous harms, leprosy is curable. However, it is important to know that treatment is not quick and requires a lot of persistence from the patient, who may feel discouraged by the lack of rapid results.

Multidrug therapy is perhaps the main form of treatment, with medications taken orally. The antibiotics used in multidrug therapy help eliminate the bacterium from the body gradually and prevent the deformities that leprosy can cause to the skin.

Free Treatment via SUS

This kind of treatment also stops the disease from being transmissible, about 4 days after starting the antibiotics. Another important fact is that, in Brazil, treatment is offered completely free of charge through the Unified Health System (SUS).

Leprosy and Pregnancy

There are also certain medications used in the treatment of leprosy that are contraindicated for pregnant women, so it is always important to pay attention to what medications are being used during this type of treatment.

Leprosy is certainly a disease that raises many questions and doubts for many people. But it’s important to know that, even though the treatment is long and arduous, the disease is curable.

There are also ways to prevent leprosy, mainly by avoiding contact with people who are infected and not yet undergoing treatment, but it’s always important not to let the long-standing prejudice that has always surrounded the disease prevail.

After starting treatment, leprosy is no longer transmissible and the affected person can have contact with others without any problem.

See also: Skincare for Black Skin
Photo: DIMAGE Z2