Characteristics of Lepromatous Leprosy
Lepromatous
leprosy (also known as multibacillary leprosy) is the severe form of leprosy. Characteristics of lepromatous leprosy can include a symmetrical skin rash more commonly found on the:
- Face
- Ears
- Wrists
- Elbows
- Knees
- Buttocks.
This skin rash can be:
- Small or large
- Flat or raised
- Light or dark.
Other characteristics of lepromatous leprosy include:
- Thinning of eyebrows and eyelashes
- Thickened skin on face
- Nasal stuffiness
- Bloody nose
- Laryngitis
- Collapsing of the nose
- Swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin and armpits
- Scarring of the testes that leads to infertility
- Enlargement of male breasts (gynecomastia).
Complications Associated With Characteristics of Leprosy
Leprosy is probably the most common cause of crippling in the hands worldwide. Complications associated with the disease include:
- Blindness
- Loss of fingers or toes following an injury or an infection
- An increased risk for arthritis and amyloidosis.
Worldwide, 1 to 2 million people are permanently disabled because of leprosy.
Characteristics of Leprosy: A Summary
Characteristics of leprosy (especially early leprosy symptoms) can be similar to symptoms seen with other medical conditions. Therefore, people with possible symptoms of leprosy should see their doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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