Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Medically reviewed by Dr. Anand S. Urhekar, MD, MD Pathology, Clinical Advisor · Last updated July 2026
A chronic infection with Mycobacterium leprae affecting skin and peripheral nerves. Its hallmark is a pale or reddish skin patch with reduced or absent sensation, often with thickened nerves. It is curable with multidrug therapy, and disability is entirely preventable when treatment starts early.
Concerned this might be leprosy? Scan it with our AI skin checker or, for moles and pigmented spots, our AI mole checker. Free, no signup required.
Quick Answer
Leprosy is a curable bacterial infection of skin and nerves caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The defining early sign is a pale or coppery skin patch that is numb to light touch, temperature or pinprick, sometimes with thickened palpable nerves. Free multidrug therapy — rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine — cures the infection over 6–12 months and stops transmission within days of starting.
Symptoms
- Pale or reddish skin patches with loss of sensation
- Reduced sweating and hair loss over the patch
- Thickened, tender peripheral nerves
- Numbness or weakness in hands and feet
- Painless burns, ulcers or injuries from lost sensation
Causes & Risk Factors
- Mycobacterium leprae, and less commonly M. lepromatosis
- Prolonged close household contact with an untreated case
- Long incubation period, typically 3–5 years
- Individual immune susceptibility — over 95% of people are naturally immune
Treatment & Management
- WHO multidrug therapy: rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine
- 6 months for paucibacillary and 12 months for multibacillary disease
- Corticosteroids for nerve inflammation (leprosy reactions)
- Physiotherapy, protective footwear and wound care
- Contact screening and single-dose rifampicin prophylaxis
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor about any skin patch with reduced sensation, unexplained numbness or weakness in hands or feet, or painless injuries — particularly with residence in or travel to an endemic country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is leprosy still contagious once treated?
Transmission stops within days of starting multidrug therapy. Treated patients can continue to work, study and live at home normally — isolation has no medical justification.
Can leprosy be cured completely?
Yes. Multidrug therapy cures the infection reliably and is provided free worldwide through the WHO. Nerve damage present before treatment may be permanent, which is why early diagnosis matters so much.
Medical References
Information on this page is sourced from and verified against reputable medical resources:
Concerned About Your Skin?
Upload a photo and get instant AI-powered analysis across 80+ skin conditions. Track your condition over time with photo timelines, or use our dedicated AI mole checker for moles and pigmented lesions.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your condition.