Leprosy natural history, complications and prognosis: Difference between revisions
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==Complications== | ==Complications== | ||
Worldwide, 1-2 million persons are permanently disabled as a result of leprosy:<ref name="WalkerLockwood2007">{{cite journal|last1=Walker|first1=Stephen L.|last2=Lockwood|first2=Dina N.J.|title=Leprosy|journal=Clinics in Dermatology|volume=25|issue=2|year=2007|pages=165–172|issn=0738081X|doi=10.1016/j.clindermatol.2006.05.012}}</ref> The number and degree of [[complications]] will depend on how early the condition is [[diagnosed]] and [[therapy|treatment]] is started. The later a correct [[diagnosis]] is reached, greater the number and the severity of the [[complications]]. These may include: | Worldwide, 1-2 million persons are permanently disabled as a result of leprosy:<ref name="WalkerLockwood2007">{{cite journal|last1=Walker|first1=Stephen L.|last2=Lockwood|first2=Dina N.J.|title=Leprosy|journal=Clinics in Dermatology|volume=25|issue=2|year=2007|pages=165–172|issn=0738081X|doi=10.1016/j.clindermatol.2006.05.012}}</ref> The number and degree of [[complications]] will depend on how early the condition is [[diagnosed]] and [[therapy|treatment]] is started. The later a correct [[diagnosis]] is reached, greater the number and the severity of the [[complications]]. These may include: | ||
* Cosmetic disfigurement | * Cosmetic disfigurement with [[skin ulceration]] and [[scars]]. | ||
* [[Contractures]] | * [[Contractures]] | ||
* Permanent [[nerve damage]], with [[sensory loss]] and [[numbness]], particularly in around [[skin lesions]]. | * Permanent [[nerve damage]], with [[sensory loss]] and [[numbness]], particularly in around [[skin lesions]]. | ||
* [[Muscle weakness]] | * [[Muscle weakness]] | ||
* [[Eye]] [[complications]] - due to the [[nerve damage]], conditions such as [[corneal abrasion]] and [[corneal ulceration]] may occur. | |||
* [[Trauma]] - attending to the [[loss of sensation]], following the [[nerve damage]] caused by this condition, a potential [[complication]] is the non voluntary self-inflicted [[trauma]] as a result of the absence of [[pain]]. | * [[Trauma]] - attending to the [[loss of sensation]], following the [[nerve damage]] caused by this condition, a potential [[complication]] is the non voluntary self-inflicted [[trauma]] as a result of the absence of [[pain]]. | ||
* [[Infection]] - following painless [[injuries]], due to the [[nerve damage]], that become [[infected]] by [[bacteria]] and complicate. | * [[Infection]] - following painless [[injuries]], due to the [[nerve damage]], that become [[infected]] by [[bacteria]] and complicate. | ||
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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]
Natural History
Complications
Worldwide, 1-2 million persons are permanently disabled as a result of leprosy:[1] The number and degree of complications will depend on how early the condition is diagnosed and treatment is started. The later a correct diagnosis is reached, greater the number and the severity of the complications. These may include:
- Cosmetic disfigurement with skin ulceration and scars.
- Contractures
- Permanent nerve damage, with sensory loss and numbness, particularly in around skin lesions.
- Muscle weakness
- Eye complications - due to the nerve damage, conditions such as corneal abrasion and corneal ulceration may occur.
- Trauma - attending to the loss of sensation, following the nerve damage caused by this condition, a potential complication is the non voluntary self-inflicted trauma as a result of the absence of pain.
- Infection - following painless injuries, due to the nerve damage, that become infected by bacteria and complicate.
Prognosis
Early recognition is important. Early treatment limits damage by the disease, renders the person noninfectious, and allows for a normal lifestyle.
References
- ↑ Walker, Stephen L.; Lockwood, Dina N.J. (2007). "Leprosy". Clinics in Dermatology. 25 (2): 165–172. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2006.05.012. ISSN 0738-081X.