Leprosy

Leprosy, also called Hansen's disease, is a chronic infection caused by a bacterium that mainly affects the skin and the peripheral nerves. It is curable and, with timely care, its course is usually controlled.

Frequent symptoms: skin patches with loss of sensation, thickening of nerves, muscle weakness, and areas without sweating.

When to see a doctor? An evaluation is advisable in the presence of skin lesions that do not disappear and that are accompanied by numbness.

Which specialist treats it? The dermatologist is usually the one who identifies and follows up on leprosy. If you notice persistent patches with changes in skin sensation, having them reviewed by this professional makes it possible to clarify the diagnosis in time.