Leprosy

Alternative names:

Hansen disease

Treatment:

Medications used to eliminate the microorganism and to reduce symptoms include:

• Dapsone (diaminodiphenylsulfone)
• Rifampin
• clofazimine (a Phenazine dye)
• thalidomide

Expectations (prognosis):

Early recognition is important. Early treatment limits damage by the disease, renders the person noninfectious, and allows for a normal lifestyle.

Complications:

• permanent nerve damage
• cosmetic disfigurement

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if signs or symptoms described here occur, especially following exposure.