麻風 - A Forgotten Disease

A Personal Journey

I remember the day I found out I had leprosy like it was yesterday. I was sitting in the doctor's office, my heart pounding in my chest. The doctor had been examining me for weeks, but I had no idea what was wrong. I had been experiencing numbness in my hands and feet, and I had lost all sensation in my face.
A few years prior, a rash started to form on my face. It looked angry and red, but I didn't think much of it at the time. I went to see the local clinic and they gave me some cream. The cream didn't work, and the rash continued to spread.
Then I started losing feeling in my hands and feet. I couldn't feel the steering wheel when I was driving, and I had to hold a cup of coffee with both hands so I wouldn't drop it. I knew something was seriously wrong.
Finally, I went back to the doctor. This time, they did a biopsy and found out that I had leprosy. I was shocked. I had never even heard of leprosy before.
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. It is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. The disease is not highly contagious, but it can be transmitted through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes.
Leprosy has been around for centuries, and it is still a major health problem in many parts of the world. In 2018, there were an estimated 200,000 new cases of leprosy worldwide.
The symptoms of leprosy can vary depending on the type of the disease. There are two main types of leprosy: paucibacillary leprosy and multibacillary leprosy. Paucibacillary leprosy is the less severe form of the disease, and it affects only a few patches of skin. Multibacillary leprosy is the more severe form of the disease, and it can affect the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes.
The symptoms of leprosy can include:
* Skin lesions that are pale, red, or brown
* Numbness or loss of sensation in the hands, feet, or face
* Muscle weakness
* Joint pain
* Swollen lymph nodes
* Fever
* Chills
* Fatigue
Leprosy is a treatable disease, but early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent permanent damage to the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. Treatment for leprosy typically involves taking antibiotics for a period of six months to two years.
I was lucky to be diagnosed with leprosy early on. I started taking antibiotics right away, and I have been able to manage my disease. I still have some numbness in my hands and feet, but I am able to live a full and active life.
I am sharing my story because I want to raise awareness about leprosy. This disease is still a major health problem in many parts of the world, and it is important to know the symptoms so that you can get diagnosed and treated early on.
If you have any of the symptoms of leprosy, please see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent permanent damage to the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes.