Leprosy condition has been associated with stigma and prejudice because of the deformities it creates, the mystery surrounding its etiology and propagation, and the absence of an effective cure.  The Mycobacterium leprae targets the nervous system, especially nerves in the cooler parts of the body – the hands, feet, and face – and is capable of affecting any tissue or organ: affecting the skin, eyes, testes, peripheral nerves, and mucosa of the upper respiratory tract- if not treated quickly and on time, sufferers can become blind and lose sensation in their hands and feet. The World Health Organization (WHO), local governments, health practitioners, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have worked together to reduce the global prevalence of active leprosy infection by approximately 90% in the last two decades; however, there has been no corresponding decline in the incidence or New Case Identification Rate (NCDR). From 1994 to 2011, more than 100,000 new cases were detected annually, with India accounting for the majority of the cases.

Leprosy is one of humanity’s oldest illnesses. Despite advances in medical science in all fields, leprosy remains a public health issue in countries such as India, Brazil, and Indonesia. More than 80% of all newly reported leprosy cases in the world are in India, Brazil, and Indonesia combined. According to projections, even if country-level elimination is achieved by 2020, leprosy will continue to be a problem in high endemic regions (i.e. states, districts, and provinces with populations in the millions), which account for the majority of cases in a country. People still continue to believe that leprosy is contagious and can spread by touching the patients. However, this is not the case. It isn’t infectious in the least. Only if you come into direct and frequent contact with mouth and nose droplets from someone with untreated leprosy, you become infected. Transmission necessitates close physical contact. It cannot be transmitted by shaking hands, hugging, or sitting next to an infected person.

Treatment for leprosy condition

Leprosy condition was treated with chaulmoogra oil, an extract from the seeds of Hydnocarpus wightiana, with some success prior to the discovery of antibiotics. The advent of dapsone eased care by allowing for ambulatory treatment and significantly changed the face of leprosy. A skin biopsy is required for diagnosis. The doctor will use the smear to assess if bacteria are present if they are alive or dead, the type of leprosy, and even the patient’s response to treatment. A lepromin skin test may be needed to determine which form of leprosy you have. A small amount of dormant leprosy-causing bacteria will be inserted just under the surface of your forearm for this treatment. They’ll return to the place three days later and again after 28 days. If you have a reaction, you can have tuberculosis or leprosy on the borderline. 

It’s important to educate patients about self-care as a primary means of avoiding disability, which involves teaching them how to check themselves regularly for ulcers or wounds and how to properly care for them. Stop wearing disposable shoes or gloves, and treat wounds with clean bandages and good treatment. Hands and feet should be protected from damage. Be on the lookout for signs of neuropathy. Apply a moisturizer to your skin to avoid dryness, and seek care for eye infection as soon as possible to save your vision. Patient enforcement is hampered by long-term care (which may require treatment for 6 months to 2 years). Patients need a lot of social care. Give them your love and attention. Assist them in overcoming the disease.