January 25 – World Leprosy Week: What Is Leprosy? How Is It Transmitted, and What Is the Treatment?

 World Leprosy Week is observed every year during the last week of January to raise awareness about leprosy, a disease that is often misunderstood by society but can be fully controlled with early diagnosis and proper treatment. Although leprosy is still feared due to historical prejudices, modern dermatology and infectious disease knowledge allow it to be treated effectively today. This article examines what leprosy is, how it is transmitted, its symptoms, and the treatment process from a dermatological perspective.

What Is Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease)?

Leprosy, medically known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It most commonly affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. The disease progresses slowly, and symptoms may take years to appear.

Today, leprosy is a disease that can be treated without leaving permanent damage when diagnosed early. Dermatology specialists particularly consider leprosy in cases of unexplained skin lesions and sensory loss.

How Is Leprosy Transmitted?

Contrary to common belief, leprosy is not easily transmitted. The disease requires prolonged and close contact. The risk of transmission through brief contact or everyday social interactions is extremely low.

Routes of transmission include:

Transmission through the respiratory tract:
It may spread through close contact with nasal and oral secretions of untreated patients over a long period.

Long-term close contact:
Living in the same household for years can increase the risk of transmission.

Transmission through skin contact is very rare:
Transmission through intact skin is almost impossible.

Individuals receiving treatment do not transmit the disease to others. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical for public health.

What Are the Symptoms of Leprosy?

Symptoms of leprosy vary depending on the type of disease and the individual’s immune response. The most common symptoms are dermatological and neurological findings.

Skin Symptoms

Skin findings are often the first signs of the disease:

• Light or dark-colored skin patches

• Loss of sensation in the affected areas

• Numbness or tingling

• Dry skin and reduced sweating

These lesions are painless and may gradually spread.

Nervous System Symptoms

Nerve involvement is the most significant cause of complications in leprosy:

• Numbness in the hands and feet

• Muscle weakness

• Loss of reflexes

• Deformities in advanced stages

If not recognized early, these symptoms can lead to permanent damage.

How Is Leprosy Diagnosed?

Leprosy is diagnosed by a dermatologist through clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. The patient’s medical history and physical examination play a crucial role in the diagnostic process.

Diagnostic methods include:

• Dermatological examination

• Sensory testing

• Skin biopsy

• Bacteriological examinations

Early diagnosis increases treatment success and prevents potential complications.

How Is Leprosy Treated?

Leprosy is a treatable disease and can be fully controlled with multidrug therapy (MDT) recommended by the World Health Organization. The duration of treatment varies depending on the type of leprosy.

The main medications used in treatment include:

• Rifampicin

• Dapsone

• Clofazimine

Treatment usually lasts between 6 and 12 months. In advanced cases, the duration may be longer. Infectiousness ends shortly after treatment begins.

What Happens If Leprosy Is Not Treated?

If left untreated, leprosy can lead to serious complications, primarily due to nerve damage, significantly reducing quality of life.

Possible complications include:

• Permanent loss of sensation

• Deformities of the hands and feet

• Eye damage and vision loss

• Secondary infections

For this reason, consulting a dermatologist without delay in cases of suspected symptoms is vital.

Why Is World Leprosy Week Important?

The primary goal of World Leprosy Week is to eliminate misconceptions about leprosy and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis. Today, leprosy is a treatable disease and does not justify social exclusion in any way.

Thanks to awareness efforts, patients receive earlier diagnoses, social stigma decreases, and access to treatment becomes easier.

When Should You Consult a Dermatologist?

You should consult a dermatology (skin) specialist if you experience any of the following:

• Unexplained skin patches

• Loss of sensation in the skin

• Persistent numbness

• Skin lesions that gradually spread

Early evaluation eliminates the risk of permanent damage.

Happ Health provides access to expert doctors in dermatology through online doctor consultations. Remote preliminary evaluations can be conducted for skin lesions, infectious skin diseases, and suspicious symptoms. When necessary, referrals for further tests and in-person examinations are arranged.
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