Hansen Disease (Leprosy)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What is Hansen disease?
Hansen disease, also called leprosy, is caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria mainly spread in droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. It takes several months of close personal contact for infection to happen. A mother cannot spread the bacteria to her unborn baby. The bacteria are also not spread through touching or being next to an infected person for a short time. Most people are naturally immune from infection.
What are the main types of Hansen disease?
A mixture of the following 2 types is called borderline Hansen disease.
- Tuberculoid Hansen disease is mildly contagious and usually causes a few skin lesions, hair loss, and loss of sensation. The immune system is usually able to fight the infection.
- Lepromatous Hansen disease is more contagious and causes lesions all over the body. Large lumps called nodules also develop. The immune system has a harder time fighting the infection. The infection spreads to other organs, such as the kidney and liver.
What are the signs and symptoms of Hansen disease?
Signs and symptoms can take up to 20 years to develop after infection. You may have any of the following:
- Swollen skin over damaged nerves
- Loss of feeling and pain sensation
- Skin that becomes lighter or darker, or red from inflammation
- Dry or flaky skin that does not sweat
- If not treated, paralysis in the hands and feet, with loss of fingers and toes
- Ulcers on the corneas of the eyes, and blindness
- Eyebrow and eyelash loss, or nose deformity
How is Hansen disease diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. Tell your provider if you have direct contact with a person who has diagnosed Hansen disease. Your provider may be able to diagnose Hansen disease from your symptoms. Tests may be used to check for nerve, eye, or other damage Hansen disease can cause. Tests may also be used to rule out other diseases. You may also need the following:
- A skin or nerve biopsy is used to check for the bacteria that cause Hansen disease.
- A nerve test is used to check for loss of feeling. A needle may be pressed to your skin lesions to see if you can feel it.
How is Hansen disease treated?
- Antibiotics are given to treat the bacterial infection. A combination of 2 to 3 antibiotics are usually used together. Antibiotic treatment usually continues for 1 to 2 years. It is important to continue taking antibiotics as prescribed to make sure the infection is gone.
- Steroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs may be given for nerve damage.
- Cycloplegic eye medicine may be given if you have an ulcer on your cornea. The medicine will dilate your pupil and relax your eye muscles.
- Surgery may be used to treat nerve pain that does not respond to other treatment. Skin wounds may need to be cleaned so they can heal. A skin graft may be used to cover open skin wounds. A graft is skin taken from another body area or a donor. Surgery may be used to repair an eyebrow or nose deformity, or to improve eyelid function. Surgery may also be used to fix problems with joints, tendons, or other affected areas. Amputation to remove an affected body part may be needed if you develop a life-threatening infection called sepsis.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
What can I do to manage Hansen disease?
- Clean around your eye if you have a cornea ulcer. Gently remove any crusty buildup around your eye.
- Check your skin daily. Look for redness and swelling, and feel for warmth. Sores can form where your skin makes contact with objects or other body parts.
- Care for your feet. Check your feet each day for cuts, scratches, calluses, or other wounds. Look for redness and swelling, and feel for warmth. Wear shoes that fit well. Check your shoes for rocks or other objects that can hurt your feet. Do not walk barefoot or wear shoes without socks. Wear cotton socks to help keep your feet dry.
- Prevent falls if you have loss of feeling. Move with care, and stand up slowly. Wear shoes that support your feet. Ask about walking aids, such as a cane or walker. You may want to install railings or nonslip pads in your home, especially in the bathroom. Ask for more information on how to prevent falls.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You have severe pain.
- You have vision loss or eye pain.
- You notice changes in the shape or size of your fingers, toes, nose, or eyebrows.
- You have an injury or burn because you could not feel the injured area.
- You have a wound that does not heal or is red, swollen, or draining fluid.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have new or worsening skin lesions, nodules, or other symptoms.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
