Overview
Definition
Chronic curable infectious disease affecting skin and peripheral nerves.
Epidemiology
Varies globally depending on genetics, environment, or exposure.
Etiology & Risk Factors
- Mycobacterium leprae.
Clinical Symptoms
- Hypopigmented skin patches with loss of sensation
- thickened nerves.
Clinical Approach
Diagnosis
- Skin slit smear (acid-fast bacilli).
Management
- Multi-drug therapy (Rifampin
- Dapsone
- Clofazimine).
Complications
- Permanent nerve damage
- limb deformities.