Recognize the cause of leprosy, an ancient disease that still exists today

The cause of leprosy is often associated with curses. One of the oldest diseases in the world has existed since the days of ancient civilizations, and most occur in countries with tropical climates, including Indonesia.

A study by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia shows that Indonesia ranks third in the world. This means that many cases of leprosy have been diagnosed in Indonesia. Therefore, we must be more vigilant so that leprosy transmission can be controlled.

Causes of leprosy and its transmission

Leprosy is not caused by past karma. This disease, also called Hansen's disease, is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae).

Bacteria can spread by saliva or snot when the patient sneezes or coughs. Even so, leprosy does not spread quickly like a cold or runny nose.

You need long-term and repeated contact with lepers who are not undergoing treatment before you can experience transmission of this disease. The reason is that the M. leprae bacteria that trigger leprosy multiply slowly

According to information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), it can take up to five years for a person to get bacteria for the first time to show symptoms. leprosy This duration is called the incubation period.

Look for pale spots on the skin as an early symptom of leprosy

Early symptoms of leprosy are the appearance of pale patches (hypopigmentation) or redness of the skin. These patches usually lose their sense of touch or cause numbness, that is, nothing is felt when touched or even when injured.

The more points that appear, the longer it will take. In some cases, lumps can form.

Usually people who have contracted the bacteria that causes leprosy do not feel the symptoms of leprosy directly. As mentioned before, the symptoms of leprosy can take years.

Because of this, leprosy is usually carried out by the patient only when he experiences complications in the form of physical disabilities. In this situation, leprosy can still be cured, but complications cannot be treated and will accompany the patient for life.

Can lepers recover fully?
Perhaps many people wonder whether leprosy can be completely cured or not. The answer is yes!

Real leprosy can fully recover from this disease, even without physical disabilities. However, the following conditions must be kept in mind:

1. Leprosy must be detected and treated as soon as possible

Most cases of leprosy are diagnosed and treated late by doctors. Indeed, many people may underestimate the symptoms of leprosy first in the form of skin patches, because it is similar to phlegm or other skin diseases.

Leprosy plaque usually does not cause irritation or pain. As a result, these early symptoms are often not realized by sufferers of the disease.

2. Persons affected by leprosy need treatment until completion

Because bacteria are the cause of leprosy, doctors will give antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria and cure this disease. Rifampin, ofloxacin, minocycline, clofamizine and dapsone are some types of antibiotics that can be prescribed.

The combination of antibiotics and the duration of treatment will be determined by the doctor according to the severity of leprosy infected by a person. Leprosy sufferers are strongly recommended to follow the doctor's instructions to take antibiotics. The aim is that leprosy is reoccurred.

Never stop taking antibiotics without consulting a doctor. This is because it can cause antibiotic resistant bacteria, which worsens the patient's condition.

Can you prevent leprosy?
Everyone can help prevent leprosy by doing a few simple things. Here is an example:

Looking for as much accurate information about leprosy as possible and disseminating it to the surrounding population. For example about leprosy that can be cured with appropriate treatment, or about how to spread leprosy.
Limit the intensity and duration of contact with people who have not recovered from leprosy, especially with the patient's family.
Receive a BCG vaccine. One study shows that the BCG vaccine used to prevent TB also plays a role in protecting you from leprosy.

By knowing the cause of leprosy, as well as treatment and prevention, your vision must be more open. Leprosy can be cured and prevented.

If you find someone who has symptoms of leprosy, don't immediately move away and exclude them without medical treatment. Indeed, people with leprosy still hope to recover from the disease.

Take him immediately to the doctor for proper treatment. With this, the risk of transmission can also be overcome.