What Is Buruli Ulcer?

Signs And Symptoms

The condition typically begins as a painless swelling on one of the limbs, which is known as a nodule. Alternatively, the condition may initially develop as a large painless area or plaque with or without swelling in the arms, legs, or face. The toxin produced by the bacteria that causes the ulcer allows it to spread with no pain or fever. If no treatment is given, the nodule or plaque will spread and ulcerate with roughly four weeks of the initial presentation, and once the ulcer forms, the characteristic undermined borders will become apparent. In some rare and aggressive cases, the disease will spread to the bone and cause significant deformities.

The disease initially presents as painless swelling in the skin and is shortly followed by more aggressive signs and symptoms, including the destruction of skin and soft tissue and one or several slow growing, typically painless ulcers. If antibiotics are not administered soon enough, the condition may lead to deformity, limited joint movement, bone infection, and bacterial infection in lesions.

Continue reading to discover the causes of this condition!