Introduction
Leprosy is an old condition where many people are scared about the disease. Leprosy mainly causes dermatological symptoms, but it also involves other systems. As the disease progresses, the dermatological changes differ and get more vulnerable. This article elaborates on the dermatological changes of leprosy.
What Is Leprosy?
Leprosy is a chronic condition that is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is also called Hansen's disease. Leprosy primarily affects the skin, mucous membranes, and nerves, which leads to nerve damage and skin lesions. An effective way of curing leprosy is through early diagnosis and treatment. Though early diagnosis and treatment can effectively cure leprosy, the social stigma that is associated with leprosy has historically contributed to discrimination against the affected persons.
What Are the Causes of Leprosy?
-
Leprosy is a bacterial disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae. This mycobacterium leprae is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. This transmission happens when untreated lepromatous individuals sneeze or cough. As the accurate mechanism of transmission is not fully known, close contact with the affected person for a prolonged period may be considered a major risk factor for leprosy.
-
Susceptibility of the genetics of the affected individuals may also play a vital role in the development of leprosy. Studies show that not every person who gets exposed to the bacterium is infected; certain genetic factors may contribute to susceptibility to the disease. Immunocompromised individuals, due to various factors like malnutrition or other illness, are more prone to leprosy.
-
The incubation period of Mycobacterium leprae is long and can range from a few months to years. This incubation period complicates the efforts to identify the exact cause and the source of infection. Early diagnosis and treatment with MDT(multidrug therapy) are essential to reduce the disease progression and transmission.
-
Global works to control leprosy include public health procedures like providing multidrug therapy to the infected individuals and tracing the contacts. It also includes initiatives to recognize the social stigma associated with leprosy.
What Are the Dermatological Changes of Leprosy?
Though the impacts of leprosy extend beyond skin lesions, it has an indelible mark on dermatological changes. Understanding these dermatological changes is vital for early detection and treatment. Some of the dermatological changes include
-
Skin Patches: Leprosy usually begins with the invasion of erythematous or hypopigmented patches on the skin, which will be silent. These skin patches will often be painless and mainly serve as an early detection feature of leprosy. The skin patches may vary in their color and may present as lighter or more reddish discoloration.
-
Nodules and Papules: When the disease progresses, the skin may develop elevated papules and nodules. These papules and nodule formation help in the visual aspect of leprosy, which may have altered sensation. The pivotal feature of leprosy is loss of sensation in the affected area of the skin due to nerve damage to the bacterial assault.
-
Thickened Lesions: Thickened and elevated lesions are a marked dermatological change of leprosy. The thickened and elevated skin may develop as a scaly or rough texture, which emphasizes the relentless nature of the condition. This thickened and elevated lesion stage indicates the fight between the invading bacteria and the body's immune system.
-
Loss of Sensation: It is the hallmark feature of leprosy. There may be a loss of feeling in the affected areas of the skin. Damage to the peripheral nerves causes gradual numbness in the affected areas. These sensory silences contribute to the insidious nature of the disease, as injuries or wounds may go unnoticed, paving the way for complications.
-
Abscess and Ulcers: As the disease progresses, skin lesions may manifest as abscesses or ulcers. As ulcers cause open sores, pus collection becomes tangible evidence of the struggle of the affected tissues. If the ulcers and abscess are left untreated, complications can aggravate the disfiguration combined with leprosy.
-
Deformities: Deformities, especially in the extremities, are the last and most severe stage of the disease. These deformities occur due to the combination of loss of sensation, nerve damage, and repeated trauma. This is the advanced stage of leprosy. Clubbing of fingers and toes and the collapse of facial features become poignant reminders of the challenges those affected face.
What Are the Other Symptoms of Leprosy Other Than Dermatological Changes?
In addition to the dermatological changes, there are various symptoms of leprosy. Some of them include
-
Neurological Symptoms: Leprosy primarily affects peripheral nerves, which results in motor and sensory impairments. Muscle paralysis, weakness, and numbness may occur.
-
Respiratory Symptoms: In most severe cases, leprosy may affect the respiratory system, which leads to respiratory distress. Involvement of the respiratory system is common in untreated or inadequately treated leprosy.
-
Musculoskeletal System: Severe nerve damage due to leprosy may result in muscle weakness, joint deformity, and muscle atrophy—this musculoskeletal involvement causes physical disabilities associated with the advanced stage of leprosy.
-
Enlargement of Nerves: Leprosy causes enlargement and thickening of nerves, especially in the extremities and face. Enlarged nerves may be palpable and visible.
-
Eye Involvement: Leprosy may also affect the eye, causing reduced blinking, dryness, and blindness in some cases. When leprosy involves the eyes, it is called lepromatous leprosy, which is the most severe form of the condition.
-
Sensation Loss: Loss of sensation is the early and prominent symptom of leprosy. Individuals with leprosy may not feel pain, heat, or cold, increasing the risk of injuries and infections.
Conclusion
Dermatological changes in leprosy paint a multifaceted portrait of the impact of the disease on the skin. From small patches to profound deformities of the bone in advanced stages, leprosy has marked its severity both by visible and hidden symptoms. Early detection through careful observation of these dermatological changes remains paramount, enabling timely intervention and reducing the risk of long-term complications. Beyond the skin, leprosy tells a broader story of resilience and the ongoing efforts to combat a disease that, despite its historical stigma, can be effectively managed with modern medical approaches.
