What is the treatment for leprosy?
Leprosy is a curable disease and treatment provided in the early stages averts disability. The treatment for leprosy requires combination of different drugs. This drugs are taken once a day for six months to one year . World Health Organization (WHO) recommended multidrug therapy (MDT) in 1984. MDT consists of three drugs: dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine. This drug combination kills the pathogen and cures the patient. MDT is safe, effective and easily administered under field conditions.
Management of leprosy is aimed at stopping infection and minimising potential physical deformities. Antibiotics used first-line to eliminate organisms include dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine. Varying regimens are used depending on the type of leprosy and the severity of infection. This may be a combination of two or three antibiotics given over varying lengths of time (up to years). Other antibiotics include minocycline, ofloxacin and clarithromycin. Oral corticosteroids and thalidomide are helpful in preventing nerve damage by reducing swelling. Long courses are necessary to decrease severity of deformities and disabilities. Surgery may sometimes be used to drain abscesses to restore nerve function, reconstruct collapsed nose, or to improve function or appearance of affected areas. Patient education is paramount. Leprosy can be cured but it is essential to take the full course of medication. It is no longer infectious once treatment has begun. Patients should be instructed how to
