by Jennifer Moll

Created on: July 23, 2009   Last Updated: July 25, 2009

Leprosy is an infection that affects the skin and the nerves of the hands and feet and can also cause problems in the eyes and nose. Mycobacterium leprae is the germ that is responsible for causing leprosy.

In 1873, Dr. Armauer Hansen of Norway discovered the germ that causes leprosy under a microscope. This discovery provided clear evidence that leprosy was not hereditary, genetic, a curse, or caused from a sin, as formerly believed. This is why the medical term for leprosy is Hansen Disease.

Ninety-five percent of the world's population has a natural immunity to leprosy, which is good news because leprosy is usually only spread through long-term contact with a person with untreated leprosy, so most people will never even develop the disease if they have been exposed.

When a person with leprosy is placed on treatment with medication, leprosy will not spread because most of the bacteria are killed within a few days. There is absolutely no risk whatsoever of a person with leprosy spreading the disease to anyone else within two weeks of starting medication.

Leprosy patients do not need to be isolated to prevent the spreading of this disease. Also, leprosy is not transmitted through sexual contact or pregnancy.

It is not necessary for all household members to take medication to treat leprosy just because someone else in the household has this disease. A physician will examine all household members for any signs of leprosy and then will determine if further follow-up exams or medication is necessary.

Usually, the most common first sign of leprosy is a slightly red spot on the skin that is either lighter or darker than the normal skin coloring. This spot may become numb and lose its hair. These spots may appear on other parts of the body such as, the arms, legs, or back. Sometimes numbness in a finger or toe is the only sign of leprosy. Repeated injury and infection of the numb areas of the fingers and toes causes the bones to shorten because the tissues around them shrink and look shorter.

Leprosy is diagnosed by having a skin biopsy so it can be examined for the bacteria. A skin smear can also be used to make a diagnosis by examining the tissue's fluid for the bacteria. Blood tests can not detect leprosy.

Dapsone, rifampin, and clofazimine are the medications that are used to treat leprosy. These medications can be taken for six months or longer and can be taken at home so patients are able to continue their jobs and regular daily activities.

Leprosy can be cured as long as patients take the medications as prescribed.

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