Leprosy history and symptoms: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Common [[symptoms]] of leprosy include [[hypopigmentation|hypopigmented]], [[anesthetic]], red [[skin lesions]], that are hard to heal, [[muscle weakness]] and [[paresthesia]] of the | Common [[symptoms]] of leprosy include [[hypopigmentation|hypopigmented]], [[anesthetic]], red [[skin lesions]], that are hard to heal, [[muscle weakness]] and [[paresthesia]] of the extremities and [[nodular]] growths on the [[skin]]. If left untreated [[blindness]] and [[paralysis]] may occur. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
Revision as of 19:08, 8 July 2014
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]
Overview
Common symptoms of leprosy include hypopigmented, anesthetic, red skin lesions, that are hard to heal, muscle weakness and paresthesia of the extremities and nodular growths on the skin. If left untreated blindness and paralysis may occur.
History
Obtaining an adequate history is an essential component of the diagnosis of leprosy. Since it is not a common condition in developed countries, a correct diagnosis may be harder to reach, in which case a detailed history including comprehensive description of symptoms, along with their time of onset and progression, as well as a list of recent travels, contacts and illnesses in any family member or coworker, is of extreme importance. Attending to the fact that the Mycobacterium leprae has a very slow growth, usually taking up to 2-10 years before symptoms appear, the history of travels should be emphasized and broad in time. History of recent trauma should also be asked, since it might explain some of the skin lesions in the patient.
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of leprosy may include:[1]
- Red skin lesions, possibly with granular appearance
- Skin lesions that are lighter than normal skin color
- Growths in the skin
- Thicker or dry skin
- Paresthesia or lack of sensation, predominantly on the hands, arms, feet and legs.
- Muscle weakness, predominantly of the hands, feet and eyelids.
- Eye problems, such as dry eyes and corneal abrasion
- Enlargement of nerves, followed by tenderness and/or pain, particularly on the elbow and knee areas.
- Nasal congestion
- Epistaxis
- Feet lesions
Less Common Symptoms
Less common symptoms appearing in more severe cases include:[1]