Leprosy history and symptoms: Difference between revisions
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==Common Symptoms== | ==Common Symptoms== | ||
Common [[symptoms]] of leprosy may include:<ref name=CDC>{{cite web | title = Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Signs and Symptoms | url = http://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/symptoms/index.html }}</ref> | Common [[symptoms]] of leprosy may include:<ref name=CDC>{{cite web | title = Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Signs and Symptoms | url = http://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/symptoms/index.html }}</ref> | ||
* | * Red [[skin lesions]], possibly with granular appearance | ||
* [[Skin lesions]] that are lighter than normal [[skin]] color | * [[Skin lesions]] that are lighter than normal [[skin]] color | ||
** [[Lesions]] have decreased [[sensation]] to [[touch]], [[heat]], or [[pain]] | ** [[Lesions]] have decreased [[sensation]] to [[touch]], [[heat]], or [[pain]] | ||
** [[Lesions]] do not heal after several weeks to months | ** [[Lesions]] do not heal after several weeks to months | ||
* Growths in the [[skin]] | * Growths in the [[skin]] | ||
* Thicker or [[dry skin]] | * Thicker or [[dry skin]] | ||
* [[Numbness]] or lack of [[sensation]], predominantly on the [[hands]], [[Arm|arms]], [[feet]] and [[legs]]. | * [[Numbness]] or lack of [[sensation]], predominantly on the [[hands]], [[Arm|arms]], [[feet]] and [[legs]]. | ||
* [[Muscle weakness]], predominantly of the [[hands]], [[feet]] and [[eyelids]]. | * [[Muscle weakness]], predominantly of the [[hands]], [[feet]] and [[eyelids]]. | ||
* [[Eye]] problems, such as [[dry eyes]] and [[corneal abrasion]] | * [[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. | * Enlargement of [[nerves]], followed by [[tenderness]] and/or [[pain]], particularly on the [[elbow]] and [[knee]] areas. | ||
* [[Stuffy nose]] | * [[Stuffy nose]] | ||
* [[Nose bleed]] | * [[Nose bleed]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Feet]] lesions | ||
==Less Common Symptoms== | ==Less Common Symptoms== | ||
Revision as of 18:33, 7 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
The diagnosis of leprosy should be considered when there is history of skin lesions that do not respond to treatment for more common conditions or when in presence of sensory loss with concomitant trauma or burns. Elements such as travel history, social contacts and concomitant clinical manifestations are also essential to reach a correct diagnosis.
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
- Numbness 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.
- Stuffy nose
- Nose bleed
- Feet lesions
Less Common Symptoms
Less common symptoms commonly appear in more severe cases of the disease, and may include:[1]