How do you test for leprosy?

Answer 1

For (Least severe) Tuberculoid Leprosy:

• First you may have one flat, white patch with slightly raised red edges.
• More patches appear, first looking red and inflamed before growing and turning white in the center
• Edges of patches are uneven and asymmetrical.
• The patches have a loss in sensation, feeling numb or not feeling anything at all. That is the nerve damage inside of the tissue.
• Patches are limited to certain areas

For (Most severe) Lepromatous Leprosy:

• Affects more areas, including face, eyes, nose, and testicles.
• Enlarged peripheral nerves (outer nerves, those of the limbs).
• Skin lesions can be larger and more inflamed.
• Can cause deformation if left for long periods without being treated.

Damage is IRREVERSIBLE!!! There are other forms of leprosy that are a mix of these two types or a more severe version of Tuberculoid leprosy. Leprosy can be easily mistaken for other diseases and infections. If it does not go away and you are concerned you may have leprosy, seek a dermatologist immediately.

At the same time, leprosy is a very rare disease and is very hard to catch. Lepromatous Leprosy is most contagious. It is believed to be spread through droplets from oral and nasal cavities, and not through sexual contact or pregnancy. The incubation period for leprosy is 1-7 years, meaning that symptoms will not be present during that time. Many people have been in close contact with or worked in leper colonies and never caught the disease. It is treatable with antibiotics, regimens lasting anywhere from 6-24 months depending on severity of the leprosy.