For a World without leprosy

29^th Jan is World Leprosy Day and Medivyom takes yet another step towards social responsibility by spreading awareness.

Leprosy or Hansen's disease (HD) is a chronic disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. That causes damage to the skin and the peripheral nervous system. The disease develops slowly (from six months to over 40 years) and results in skin lesions and deformities, most often affecting the cooler places on the body for example, eyes, nose, earlobes, hands, feet, and testicles. The skin lesions and deformities can be very disfiguring and are the reason that infected individuals were considered outcasts in many cultures.
What is the history of Leprosy?

Leprosy has tormented humans throughout recorded history. The earliest possible account of a disease that many scholars believe is leprosy appears in an Egyptian Papyrus document written around 1550 B.C. Around 600 B.C. Indian writings describe a disease that resembles leprosy. In Europe, leprosy first appeared in the records of ancient Greece after the army of Alexander the Great came back from India and then in Rome in 62 B.C. coinciding with the return of Pompeii's troops from Asia Minor. Throughout its history, leprosy has been feared and misunderstood. For a long time leprosy was thought to be a hereditary disease, a curse, or a punishment from God. For example, in Europe during the Middle Ages, leprosy sufferers had to wear special clothing, ring bells to warn others that they were close, and even walk on a particular side of the road, depending on the direction of the wind.

What are the symptoms?

·         Skin lesions that are lighter than your normal skin color.

·         Lesions have decreased sensation to touch, heat, or pain.

·         Lesions do not heal after several weeks to months.

·         Numbness or absent sensation in the hands, arms, feet, and legs.

·         Muscle weakness.

How does Leprosy Spread?

Despite first discovering Mycobacterium leprae in 1873, leprosy research scientists still do not completely understand how leprosy is spread. Most scientists believe that leprosy can be spread from person to person in infected respiratory droplets. While this may be one way in which leprosy is spread, more than 50 percent of the people who develop leprosy have no confirmed contact with an infected person.

 Factors that may influence how leprosy is spread include:

·         Environmental conditions.

·         The degree of susceptibility of the person.

·         The extent of exposure.

How can leprosy be treated?

The disease can generally be cured with antibiotics. With early diagnosis and treatment, many leprosy symptoms and complications can be minimized or avoided all together. It is important to note that leprosy treatment differs depending upon the form of the disease. Treatment typically involves medicines along with supportive care.

The treatment of Leprosy is free and available at all health centers.

Let us all help provide people affected by leprosy through Medivyom’s Touching Lives a more holistic, integrated approach that encompasses healthcare, education, rehabilitation and training.