Leprosy - FAQs

Creator: Dr. Sangamithra
Keywords: Leprosy, Hansen's disease, frequently asked questions, doctor, general physician, dermatologist, infectious disease, multidrug therapy, contagious, natural immunity, bacteria, fingers, toes, pain, cartilage

Written by - Dr. Sangamithra, MBBS

Medically Reviewed by - Dr. Ramya Ananthakrishnan, MD

Last Updated on Aug 07, 2020

Q: Which doctor should be consulted in case of Leprosy?

A: A general Physician, dermatologist or an Infectious Disease specialist can be consulted

Q: Is leprosy curable?

A: Yes, it is curable. Multidrug therapy is used to treat patients with leprosy. It takes about a few months to many years depending upon the patient's disease status.

Q: Is leprosy contagious?

A: No, it is not contagious. About 95% of the people have natural immunity against leprosy.

Q: Why are the fingers and toes of a patient disfigured?

A: The bacteria affect the nerve endings and results in loss of sensation. Due to this when they injure themselves they don't feel the pain. The injuries are super infected resulting in loss of tissue and it becomes deformed due to the absorption of the cartilage by the body.

Published on Nov 24, 2014
Last Updated on Aug 07, 2020

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Comments

sureshbbau768

hi this is sureshbabu.i have effected with hanseen disease,and i used MDT for one and half year,and doctors told to stop me and do some exercise..now main problem is one of my right hand fingers are clawed and it is shivering,and my skin turn into black on my face....tell me it is dangerous disease..how could i solve it i am doing small exercises but my fingers are same..please tell me and please helping to me...and my thinking too much on this unable to concentrate on anyhing...can i go to physiotheraphy...will the fingers come into normal...or can i go GYM and do exercises please please please help me....

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shahnikunj

its avery informative article thank you

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gayani

Is it dangerous in any way to make a patient who is undergoing treatment take up writing exercises as physiotherapy to get the fingers working again?The fingers are clawed in the right hand and the patient has been asked o come in for physiotherapy sessions as well

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innocent14

Thanks a lot for providing qualitative & updated news about leprosy.Really this website has enhanced my leprosy knowledge.

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dearmehraj

i am a medical student requires a detail study of leprosy for seminar & i found your website very informative. Thank you, best regards.

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