Symptoms Of Leprosy

Touch And Temperature Sensations Reduced

Skin sensations are generally felt as pressure, cold, heat, and pain. In someone with leprosy, skin numbness generally appears first. A loss of temperature sensation follows this, then light touch, followed by pain and finally, deep pressure. The dermal nerves are responsible for the transmission of these sensations, and the hands and feet are the most commonly affected. Sensations of deep pressure, heat, and pain help protect the body from serious injury. Damage to the dermal nerves by the leprosy bacteria causes them to malfunction. Someone with leprosy may have touch and temperature sensations reduced to the point they can no longer detect when danger of injury is present. For example, they may incur a severe burn because they couldn't feel their hand was too close to the burner. Deranged nerve function is called neuropathy.

Keep reading to learn about one of the iconic visual symptoms of leprosy now.