World Day of the fight against leprosy
What is leprosy?
Leprosy, or Hansen's disease, is an infectious disease that affects the peripheral nervous system, skin, upper respiratory tract, and eyes. It can be suspected due to localized loss of skin sensitivity, which may or may not be accompanied by lesions such as spots, lumps, or plaques. Additionally, it may present with muscle weakness, nasal discharge, red eyes, among other symptoms.
Does leprosy cause skin lesions?
Whenever skin lesions appear, they are associated with sensory alterations such as numbness, tingling, lack of discrimination between touch and/or temperature (cold/hot), and similar sensations.
How is leprosy transmitted?
It is transmitted from person to person through droplets from nasal or oral secretions during close contact with untreated patients (carriers of Hansen's bacillus), who often do not suspect the disease or have not been diagnosed in time.
Hansen's disease can cause severe complications due to its neurological involvement. The best way to prevent them is through early diagnosis and treatment.
Family members and close contacts of diagnosed patients should be examined by a trained physician for regular check-ups and tests in suspected cases to avoid late diagnoses.
I have worked with Hansen's disease patients since 2013, starting in Brazil (Fiocruz-Ambulatorio Souza Araújo) and now here in Colombia (Centro Dermatológico Federico Lleras Acosta). I learn every day not only from scientific literature but also from the patients in the program and their families.
The best way to prevent an increase in Hansen's disease cases in our country is to learn about this disease, empathize with patients, and strive for early diagnosis at all costs.
Anyone presenting any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above should visit a dermatologist for an evaluation.
Let's not forget that leprosy still exists, and it can be cured.
This should matter to all of us!
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