Treatment for Leprosy

Antibiotics, along with supportive care, which is managing symptoms of leprosy and any associated complications, are commonly used to cure leprosy. Some people experience certain reactions after beginning treatment, such as increased rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain. After successful leprosy treatment, people are generally considered free of active infection.

Leprosy Information

Leprosy Treatment: An Introduction

Historically, there was no cure for leprosy (which is also known as Hansen's disease), and lepers were segregated for extended periods. However, today, the disease can generally be cured with antibiotics. With early diagnosis and treatment, leprosy symptoms and complications can be minimized or avoided altogether.

Treatment for leprosy differs, depending on the form of the disease. It will generally continue for one year with tuberculoid leprosy and for two years with lepromatous leprosy. Options typically include medicines combined with supportive care. Supportive care refers to treating symptoms of the disease and any associated complications.

Medicines Used to Treat Leprosy

Leprosy treatment includes antibiotics to kill Mycobacterium leprae (the bacteria that cause the condition). However, this bacteria can be resistant to certain antibiotics. Therefore, several antibiotics are often combined. The three most commonly used drugs are:

Dapsone
Rifampin
Clofazimine.

Other antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, and minocycline, also have excellent antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium leprae.

Medicine that is used to treat leprosy can sometimes be provided at no cost to patients by their family doctor or through the Hansen's Disease Clinic closest to them. A person should see improvements after two to three months after beginning treatment.

(Treatment for Leprosy Continued: Page 2)