Hansen's Disease
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Hansen's Disease
Hansen’s disease, once known as leprosy, is a bacterial infection that affects the nervous system, skin, nose, and eyes. It is curable. But without early treatment, it can cause irreversible damage.
The bacteria that cause Hansen’s disease grow slowly, and symptoms can take up to 20 yearsTrusted Source to appear. Often, a person does not notice the changes or otherwise realize that the disease is progressing.
In time, a person may noticeTrusted Source a decreased ability to feel touch and pain, as well as skin changes.
In 90% of people with Hansen’s disease, the first noticeable symptom is numbness. This loss of sensation may begin several years before skin changes occur, and it usually concerns:
- temperature
- light touch and pain
- deep pressure
Diagnosis and treatment
A physician usually diagnoses Hansen’s disease by considering the symptoms. Testing a skin or nerve sample in a laboratory can confirm the diagnosis.
To treat the disease, the doctor prescribes a combination of two or three antibiotics. A person needs this treatment for 1–2 years. Combining several antibiotics helps reduce the risk of developing antibiotic resistance, according to the CDC.
Once a person starts the treatment, the bacteria cannot pass to others. However, take care to:
- avoid injuries that may lead to further damage
- report any new symptoms to the doctor, especially if there are signs of inflammation, fever, or new areas of skin change or numbness
- take the full course of antibiotics as the doctor prescribed it
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