Leprosy history and symptoms: Difference between revisions

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==Overview==
==Overview==
Despite the considerable decrease in the [[incidence]] of leprosy in recent years, after the [[prevention|preventive]] and [[Therapy|treatment]] measures applied by the [[WHO]], there are still [[endemic]] areas of this [[disease]], particularly in developing countries. Accordingly, the [[diagnostic]] procedures and the time to reach a correct [[diagnosis]] will depend on the area of the world it occurs. The [[diagnosis]] of leprosy should be considered when there is history of [[skin lesions]] that do not respond to [[Therapy|treatment]] for more common conditions or when in presence of [[sensory loss]] with concomitant [[trauma]] lesions or [[burns]]. Elements such as travel history, social contacts and concomitant clinical manifestations are also essential in reaching a correct [[diagnosis]], which contributes to a decrease of [[morbidity]] of this condition.
Common [[symptoms]] of leprosy include [[hypopigmentation|hypopigmented]], [[anesthetic]], red [[skin lesions]], that are hard to heal, [[nodular]] growths on the [[skin]], [[muscle weakness]] and [[paresthesia]] of the extremities and [[eye]] problems. If left untreated [[blindness]] and [[paralysis]] may occur.


==History==
==History==
Obtaining an adequate history is an essential component of the [[diagnosis]] of leprosy. Attending to the fact that it is not a common condition in developed countries, a correct diagnosis may be harder to reach, in which case a detailed history, that includes comprehensive description of [[symptoms]], along with their time of onset and progression, as well as a list of recent travels, contacts and [[illnesses]] in any family member or coworker, is of extreme importance. Attending to the fact that the Mycobacterium leprae has a very slow growth, usually taking up to 2-10 years before e symptoms start to appear, the history of travels should be emphasized and broad in time. An accurate history is also important since the [[clinical presentation]] is a major element of the [[diagnosis]] of leprosy, thereby facilitating the start of [[Therapy|treatment]], contributing to a better [[prognosis]]. [[History]] of [[trauma]] should also be asked, since it might explain some of the [[skin lesions]] in the patient.
Obtaining an adequate history is essential for the [[diagnosis]] of leprosy. The [[diagnosis]] may be harder to reach in nonendemic countries due to the lower [[prevalence]]. Elements such as international travels and contacts with ill people are very important. Since [[symptoms]] take up to 10 years to develop, this list should be broad in time. Recent [[trauma]] should also be ruled out as a cause of the [[skin lesions]].


==Common Symptoms==
==Common Symptoms==
Common [[symptoms]] of leprosy may include:<ref name=CDC>{{cite web | title = Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Signs and Symptoms | url = http://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/symptoms/index.html }}</ref>
Common [[symptoms]] of leprosy may include:<ref name=CDC>{{cite web | title = Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Signs and Symptoms | url = http://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/symptoms/index.html }}</ref>
* [[Skin lesions]] that are lighter than normal [[skin]] color.
* Red [[skin lesions]], possibly with granular appearance
** [[Lesions]] have decreased [[sensation]] to [[touch]], [[heat]], or [[pain]].
* [[Skin lesions]] that are lighter than normal [[skin]] color
** [[Lesions]] do not heal after several weeks to months.
** [[Lesions]] have decreased [[sensation]] to [[touch]], [[heat]], or [[pain]]
* Growths in the [[skin]].
** [[Lesions]] do not heal after several weeks to months
* Thicker or [[dry skin]].
* Growths in the [[skin]]
* [[Numbness]] or lack of [[sensation]], predominantly on the [[hands]], [[arms]], [[feet]] and [[legs]].
* Thicker or [[dry skin]]
* [[Muscle weakness]].
* [[Paresthesia]] or lack of [[sensation]], predominantly on the [[hands]], [[Arm|arms]], [[feet]] and [[legs]].
* [[Eye]] problems, such as [[dry eyes]] and [[corneal abrasion]].
* [[Muscle weakness]], predominantly of the [[hands]], [[feet]] and [[eyelids]].
* Enlargement of [[nerves]], particularly in the [[elbow]] and [[knee]] areas.
* [[Eye]] problems, such as [[dry eyes]] and [[corneal abrasion]]
* [[Stuffy nose]].
* Enlargement of [[nerves]], followed by [[tenderness]] and/or [[pain]], particularly on the [[elbow]] and [[knee]] areas.
* [[Nose bleed]].
* [[Nasal congestion]]
* [[Lesions]] of the soles of [[feet]].
* [[Epistaxis]]
* [[Feet]] lesions


==Less Common Symptoms==
==Less Common Symptoms==
Less common [[symptoms]] commonly appear in more severe cases of the [[disease]], and may include:<ref name=CDC>{{cite web | title = Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Signs and Symptoms | url = http://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/symptoms/index.html }}</ref>
Less common [[symptoms]] appearing in more severe cases include:<ref name=CDC>{{cite web | title = Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Signs and Symptoms | url = http://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/symptoms/index.html }}</ref>
* Severe [[pain]]
* Severe [[pain]]
* [[Paralysis]], particularly of the [[hands]] and [[feet]] in more severe cases.
* [[Paralysis]], particularly of the [[hands]] and [[feet]] in more severe cases
* [[Blindness]]
* [[Blindness]]


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[[Category:Disease]]
[[Category:Disease]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Infectious disease]]
 
[[Category:Tropical disease]]
[[Category:Tropical disease]]
[[Category:Leprosy]]
[[Category:Leprosy]]
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[[Category:Bacterial diseases]]
[[Category:Bacterial diseases]]
[[Category:Neglected diseases]]
[[Category:Neglected diseases]]
[[Category:Needs content]]

Latest revision as of 18:10, 18 September 2017

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]

Overview

Common symptoms of leprosy include hypopigmented, anesthetic, red skin lesions, that are hard to heal, nodular growths on the skin, muscle weakness and paresthesia of the extremities and eye problems. If left untreated blindness and paralysis may occur.

History

Obtaining an adequate history is essential for the diagnosis of leprosy. The diagnosis may be harder to reach in nonendemic countries due to the lower prevalence. Elements such as international travels and contacts with ill people are very important. Since symptoms take up to 10 years to develop, this list should be broad in time. Recent trauma should also be ruled out as a cause of the skin lesions.

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of leprosy may include:[1]

Less Common Symptoms

Less common symptoms appearing in more severe cases include:[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Signs and Symptoms".


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