PREVENTION OF INJURY for persons with loss of feeling
and strength
LEPROSY 223
Eyes: Much eye damage comes from not blinking enough, because of weakness or loss
of feeling. Blinking keeps the eyes wet and clean. If the person does not blink well, or
his eyes are red, teach him to:
• Wear sunglasses with side shades, and maybe a sun hat.
• Close the eyes tightly often during the day,
especially when dust blows.
• Roll the eyeballs up as you try to close eyes tight.
• Keep eyes clean. Wash well around eyes,
keep flies and dirty hands away.
Hands: When you work with your hands, or cook meals, take special care. Never pick
up a pan or other object that might be hot without first protecting your hand with a
thick glove or folded cloth. If possible, avoid work that involves handling sharp or hot
objects. Do not smoke.
• Use tools with smooth, wide handles, or
wrap cloth around handles.
To help the person with weak or
deformed fingers hold a tool or
utensil, you can mold a handle to the
shape of the person’s closed hand.
Use epoxy putty, or plaster of Paris
mixed with a strong glue. Have the
person grip the handle while it is
still soft. Then let it harden.
For more aids
for gripping,
see p. 230 and
p. 577.
Feet:
• Avoid going barefoot. Use shoes or sandals. (For
suggestions on appropriate footwear, see the next page.)
• Learn to take short steps.
This helps protect the feet.
YES
NO
YES
NO
INJURY CARE
Eyes: Close eyes often. If necessary, use
a simple eye patch. If eye gets infected
(forms pus) use an antibiotic eye ointment.
Put the ointment into lower lid without
touching the eye.
Hands and feet: If you have a cut or sore, keep the injured part very clean and at rest
until it has healed completely. Take care not to injure the area again.
disabled village children