Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease (HD), is a chronic disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae 

Signs and symptoms Skin lesions are the primary external sign.[3] Left untreated, leprosy can be progressive, causing permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes.

Caused due to….. At highest risk are those living in endemic areas with poor conditions such as inadequate bedding, contaminated water, and insufficient diet.

What Are the Symptoms of Leprosy? The main symptom of leprosy is disfiguring skin sores, lumps, or bumps that do not go away after several weeks or months. The skin sores are pale-colored. Nerve damage can lead to: Loss of feeling in the arms and legs Muscle weakness

It takes a very long time for symptoms to appear after coming into contact with the leprosy-causing bacteria. Some people do not develop symptoms until 20 or more years later. The time between contact with the bacteria and the appearance of symptoms is called the incubation period.  Leprosy's long incubation period makes it very difficult for doctors to determine when and where a person with leprosy originally got sick.

More facts about leprosy Leprosy is not a hereditary disease.  Leprosy is a leading cause of permanent physical disability. Timely diagnosis and treatment of cases, before nerve damage has occurred, is the most effective way of preventing disability due to leprosy.

Leprosy Treatment People with leprosy generally receive antibiotics along with supportive care, which is designed to help relieve symptoms and associated complications, and includes care from orthopedic surgeons, eye doctors, and physical therapists. This treatment can often be provided at no cost to patients by their family doctor or through the Hansen's Disease Clinic closest to them. Improvements are often seen after two to three months of starting treatment for leprosy.