Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy, is caused by the slow growing bacteria Mycobacterium leprae and rarely M. lepromatosis. The disease primarily affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes (e.g., lining inside the nose).

Despite the disease being hard to catch and completely curable, a lot of stigma remains against those who have Hansen’s disease.

Transmission

About 95% have natural immunity to Hansen’s disease. Untreated patients with M. leprae in the upper respiratory tract are thought to be the main source of infection. Transmission requires prolonged close contact with someone known to be infected and not treated.

Research has shown that infected nine-banded armadillos may also be an uncommon source of infection.

Some research suggests that M. leprae may survive temporarily in soil. Wearing gloves while working with soil is a simple precaution that helps protect against cuts and getting soil into wounds.

Symptoms
  • Discolored or lighter patches of skin
  • Nodules on the skin
  • Thick, stiff, or dry skin
  • Painless ulcers on the soles of feet
  • Painless swelling or lumps on the face or earlobes
  • Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes
  • Numbness of affected skin areas
  • Muscle weakness or paralysis, especially in the hands and feet
  • Enlarged nerves, usually around the elbows, knees, and side of the neck
  • Eye problems that may lead to blindness
Testing

Healthcare providers can diagnose Hansen’s disease by conducting an exam and running diagnostic tests, like skin biopsies. They may look for patches of skin that may look lighter, darker, or redder than the person’s normal skin and determine if those patches have a loss of feeling.

To confirm the diagnosis, healthcare providers will take a skin or nerve sample to look for the bacteria that cause Hansen’s disease under the microscope. They may also do tests to rule out other skin diseases.

Treatment

Hansen’s disease is treated with a combination of antibiotics. Treatment usually lasts between one to two years.

The illness can be cured if treatment is completed as prescribed.