In simple words: Leprosy, or Hansen's disease, is a slow-growing bacterial infection that can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose. It's caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae.Common symptoms include discolored skin patches, dry or thick skin, lumps on the skin (especially on the face and earlobes), painless sores on the feet, and loss of eyebrows or eyelashes. In more severe cases, it can cause numbness, loss of feeling, muscle weakness or paralysis, and eye problems. It is curable with antibiotics, but early treatment is important to prevent permanent damage.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes.Symptoms can include skin lesions with sensory loss, thickened peripheral nerves, muscle weakness, and, in severe cases, permanent disability and disfigurement.

Example 1: A patient presents with a hypopigmented skin patch on their arm with loss of sensation. A skin biopsy reveals acid-fast bacilli, confirming the diagnosis of paucibacillary leprosy. The patient is prescribed dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine for six months., A patient presents with multiple skin lesions, thickened peripheral nerves, and muscle weakness in their hands and feet.A skin smear is positive for Mycobacterium leprae, indicating multibacillary leprosy.The patient is started on MDT for twelve months., A patient with a history of treated leprosy presents with new inflamed nodules on their skin, fever, and joint pain. This suggests erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), a reactional state. They are treated with corticosteroids and other medications to manage the inflammation.

Documentation for leprosy should include: complete history and physical exam findings (including sensory and motor nerve function assessment); skin biopsy or smear results; details of MDT regimen, duration, and response; management of any reactions or complications; and patient education regarding the disease, treatment, and prevention of disabilities.

** Leprosy is a curable disease, and early treatment is vital to prevent permanent damage.Education and counseling to address stigma and discrimination are important aspects of patient care.