Article

Article written by

Dr Michelle Serene Fernandes
Professor & Head Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy
Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore

A Story We Can All Understand

When 38-year-old Satheesha, a shopkeeper, noticed a pale patch on his arm, he ignored it. It didn’t hurt, didn’t itch, and life was busy. Months later, he felt numbness in his fingers and began dropping objects. Embarrassed and afraid, he told no one.
He believed the common things people say: “Leprosy is painful… fingers rot and fall off… it’s contagious… it’s a curse…” By the time he finally visited a health centre, he was surprised to learn the truth: leprosy is completely curable, treatment is free, and most complications happen only because people delay diagnosis due to fear.
Satheesha’s story reflects how myths and stigma often cause more suffering than the disease itself.

What is Leprosy?

Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is a slow-growing bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It mainly affects the skin, nerves, eyes, and lining of the nose.
The disease develops slowly — sometimes over years — and is fully curable with simple medicines called Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).

Common Symptoms You Should Know

• Light-colored or reddish skin patches that feel numb
• Tingling or loss of sensation in hands and feet
• Weakness of fingers or toes
• Thickened nerves
• Dryness or reduced sweating in certain areas
• Eye dryness or irritation

If any of these appear, a quick visit to a dermatologist or health centre helps rule out or confirm the disease early.

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