LEPROSY
Leprosy reactions
Sometimes persons with leprosy have sudden periods of increased problems. These
may be something like an allergic reaction to the leprosy bacilli. Leprosy reactions
can happen in untreated persons, during treatment, or after treatment has stopped.
Reactions can occur when there are changes in the body, such as puberty in boys,
in late pregnancy or following childbirth, during illness from other causes, after
vaccination, or at times of emotional stress.
There are 2 types of leprosy reactions:
Type 1 reactions happen in persons with borderline leprosy when the body increases its
fight against the leprosy germs. There is danger of new weakness and loss of feeling.
Signs to watch for are:
• skin patches may become swollen and red
• swollen hands and feet
• new tingling or weakness of hands and feet
• pain or discomfort along nerves (Rarely, lumps
along the nerves form sores and drain pus.)
219
IMPORTANT: Reactions sometimes cause new weakness and
loss of feeling without nerve pain.
Type 2 reactions happen with
lepromatous leprosy. The body is
reacting against too many bacilli.
IRITIS (INFLAMMATION OF THE IRIS)
Signs may include:
• swollen, reddish, or dark lumps under
the skin, especially on the face, arms,
and legs
• fever
• pain in testicles, breasts, or fingers
• stuffiness or bleeding of the nose
• red eye, with or without pain.
Danger: This may lead to iritis or
loss of vision unless treated early.
Rarely, this reaction causes death due
to swelling of the mouth, throat or lungs,
or to kidney problems.
pupil
iris
redness
around
iris
NORMAL EYE
pupil small,
often irregular
severe pain
EYE WITH IRITIS
Pain may begin suddenly or gradually. The eye
waters a lot. It hurts more in bright light. There
is no pus as with conjunctivitis. Vision is usually
blurred.
This is a medical emergency. Antibiotic ointments
do not help. Get medical help.
If untreated, leprosy reactions can quickly lead to permanent nerve damage with
increased paralysis of the hands, feet, or eye muscles, or to permanent damage to the
eyes.
Early treatment of leprosy reactions is very important
to prevent paralysis, deformity, and blindness.
Treatment of leprosy reaction is discussed on p. 221.
disabled village children