Leprosy (Hansen's disease)

Overview

Numb skin patches and nerve damage are the main signs.

In the U.S., some cases are linked to armadillos in southern states.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Numb pale or red skin patches

Less common

• Weakness in hands or feet
• Thick nerves

Look up a symptom: Numb or tingling leg or foot

When to get medical care

Causes

Mycobacterium leprae.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: long or close contact.
• Don't share towels, hats, combs, or bedding while it's being treated.

Who is more likely to get it

• Contact with armadillos

Possible complications

• Peripheral neuropathy: Nerve damage
• Eye damage: Can cause blindness

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Skin biopsy:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Protect numb hands and feet from injury
• Take all medicines

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an infectious disease specialist, for hard-to-treat infections.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Stay home until you've had no fever for 24 hours without fever medicine and you're feeling better.
• For the next 5 days, wash hands often and wear a mask around others.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: Can get it, though it's rare in the U.S.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Cured with treatment; early care prevents nerve damage.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Leprosy (Hansen's disease)