"usapang ketong"

Leprosy is an ancient disease and is a leading cause of permanent physical diability among the communicable diseases.

• It mainly affects the skin, peripheral nerves, eyes and the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract.

Infectious agent: "mycobacterium leprae"

• detected by Slit Skin Smear (SSS)

Method of transmission:

• Airborne
• Prolonged skin to skin contact

Susceptibility: Children especially twelve years and below

Signs and Symptoms:

• Early Signs and Symptoms

1. change in skin color (raddish or white)
2. loss of sensation on the skin lesion
3. dec. loss of sweating and hair growth over the lesion
4. thickened or painful nerves
5. muscle weakness or paralyss of extremities
6. pain and redness of the eyes
7. nasal obstruction or bleeding
8. ulcers that do not heal

• Late Signs and Symptoms

1. loss of eyebrow (madrosis)
2. inability to close eyelids (lagopthalmos)
3. clawing of fingers and toes
4. contractures
5. sinking of the nosebridge
6. gynecomastia
7. chronic ulcers

Prevention:

• BCG Vaccination
• Good personal Hygiene
• Adequate Nutrition
• Health Education
• Avoid close contact or prolong skin to skin contact with active or untreated leprosy case.

Treatment: Multi-Drug Therapy

pg.250 (DOH Book)