Leprosy How To Treat It?

Leprosy is a chronic bacterial disease that is transmitted through a bacterium. It is also known as Hansen’s disease. Contrary to popular opinion, it does not spread through touch. It can only spread through mucosal secretions from a person who is infected with the disease.

Types 

There are three ways of classifying leprosy. 

1. The first classification divides leprosy into the following types - 

Tuberculoid Leprosy - In this kind, the immune system is strong and the patient has only a few lesions. 

Lepromatous Leprosy - Where the immune system is poor and the lesions are widespread. 

Borderline Leprosy - has features of both. 

1. The World Health Organisation classifies leprosy on the basis of type and number of skin areas that are affected. If the number of lesions on the skin are five or lower, then it comes under paucibacillary leprosy. If there are more than five lesions and the bacterium is detected, it is known as multibacillary. 

2. The Ridley-Jopling classification is based on the severity of symptoms. It classifies leprosy into five (increasing order of severity) - Tuberculoid leprosy, Borderline Tuberculoid Leprosy, Mid-borderline leprosy, Borderline lepromatous leprosy and Lepromatous leprosy. 

Treatment 

A multidrug therapy was conceived by the World Health Organisation and is free and available worldwide. A number of antibiotics can kill the bacteria that cause leprosy. These include clofazimine, minocycline, ofloxacin, dapsone and rifampin. Doctors may also suggest anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or thalidomide. The antibiotics are prescribed for long periods of time (6-12 months). More than one antibiotic may be prescribed at a given point.