Leprosy
Alternate Names : Hansen's disease
Treatment
A number of different antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that cause the disease. Aspirin, prednisone, or thalidomide are used to control inflammation.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Early recognition is important. Early treatment limits damage by the disease, renders the person noninfectious (you can't catch the disease from them), and allows for a normal lifestyle.
Complications
- Cosmetic disfigurement
- Permanent nerve damage
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of leprosy, especially if you've had contact with someone who has the disease. Cases of leprosy in the United States need to be reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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