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Impact of Early Treatment on Leprosy: Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

The impact of early treatment? I'm sorry, but I still feel a bit anxious and worried, and I would like to ask a few more questions. 1. Since I have periodontal disease, if I were to ingest saliva from a leprosy patient in a cafeteria, would the risk of infection be greater...

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
1. The likelihood of saliva transmission is very low; patients with Hansen's disease lose their infectiousness after treatment. 2. Approximately two days. 3. Early treatment prevents disability.

Understanding Leprosy: Transmission Risks and Health Concerns

What is the likelihood of infection? I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
According to your description, a consultation with a dermatologist is necessary for a diagnosis. (1) Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium that causes leprosy, typically dies within 2 days outside the human body, making it unlikely to cause infection, so there is no need for excess...

Managing Leprosy Symptoms: Treatment Insights and Medication Guidance

Help Dear Dr. Lee, I have been undergoing treatment for leprosy (LL type) for 21 months. During the sixth month, I experienced a leprosy reaction. Currently, on March 14, I noticed red spots and swelling on the front of both calves, along with nerve pain behind the knees that ra...

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
1. It is recommended to temporarily discontinue the use of Ibuprofen. 2. Lampre 6# should be taken on the first day, and then switched to 2# after meals starting the next day, three times a day. DDS 1# once daily, and Rifampin 2# once a month. 3. Based on the symptoms you des...

Understanding Leprosy: Why Bacterial Counts May Increase After Treatment

Increase in average bacterial count? Hello Dr. Lee: Regarding leprosy, after taking medication for a year and a half, the average bacterial count has surprisingly increased, from 0.6 six months ago to 1.5 now. I have been consistently taking my medication every day after lunch, a...

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
Hello: 1. After one and a half years of regular treatment for leprosy, the bacterial index (BI) increased from 0.6 to 1.5; the key point is to continue monitoring and treatment based on clinical skin manifestations and symptom changes until the bacterial index reaches zero. Perfo...

Managing Leprosy: Treatment Duration, Fish Oil Myths, and Foot Care

Cod liver oil Hello Dr. Lee: Regarding the two-year treatment for leprosy, will a blood test report determine whether to stop the medication after two years? Additionally, there are claims among patients that taking cod liver oil can prevent skin darkening; is this correct? Are t...

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
Hello! 1. After two years of treatment for leprosy, a slit skin smear examination is conducted to check for the presence of Mycobacterium leprae, which determines whether to discontinue medication and observe the patient. This is based on the recommendations of the World Health O...

Understanding Leprosy: Treatment, Side Effects, and Management Tips

New Information on Leprosy Hello: Your hospital is the only leprosy treatment center in Taiwan. Many years ago, due to underdeveloped medical care, leprosy was considered a disgraceful disease. Today, with advancements in medicine, there are standardized treatments available. Pat...

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
Ms. Li: 1. During the entire course of leprosy (including the clinical treatment pathway you described), some patients may still experience leprosy reactions. This is not a side effect of the medication, nor is it due to the spread of the leprosy bacillus; it must be diagnosed an...

DIY Rehabilitation for Leprosy: Managing Symptoms and Recovery

How to DIY Rehabilitation Hello Dr. Lee, regarding leprosy, in addition to taking the preventive medication sent by Ms. Corinne, I have been experiencing weakness in my wrist joints and nerve pain in my palms four months later. Is this a sign of bacterial spread? How can I perfor...

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
Hello: Regarding your question about leprosy-related elbow weakness and hand pain, these symptoms may be manifestations during the course of leprosy. It is essential to confirm whether this is a leprosy reaction before proceeding with treatment to prevent disability. Please retur...

Overcoming Leprosy: Seeking Hope and Healing Beyond Pain

No more injuries? Hello Doctor, I have been diagnosed with leprosy, and it has been quite perplexing. No one seems to know the cause, and the general perception makes it difficult to speak up. During my hospitalization, aside from medication, the only support I received was fro...

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
Dear Mr. Loser, I understand your psychological trauma very well, as I am a part of the "Lo-Sheng Sanatorium," which specializes in the treatment of leprosy, and I extend my utmost care to you. From your correspondence, I have noticed that your condition is not well co...

Effective Treatment Strategies for Leprosy and Patient Care Tips

How to seek medical care? Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your response. How should the inflammatory response of leprosy be actively treated? If not at your hospital, which department should one visit at a general hospital? Is it possible to not disclose that one is a leprosy patient? Wh...

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
1. Principles for managing leprosy reactions (immune response): 1. Lamprene (B663) 100 mg three times a day after meals. 2. Prednisolone 60-80 mg per day, tapering gradually based on clinical condition. 3. Aspirin for pain relief as needed. 2. If unable to visit...

Managing Pain and Symptoms in Leprosy Patients: Effective Strategies

I need help? Patients with leprosy undergoing treatment may experience pain on the skin surface after medication, and even slight contact with the elbow can cause discomfort. Are there any methods to alleviate this? Additionally, the left foot, which was originally swollen and pa...

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
Leprosy patients: During the treatment process, some patients may experience complications such as neuritis and neuropathic pain, which is referred to as "lepra reaction." Leprosy can cause peripheral nerve damage leading to sensory loss, as well as muscle atrophy in th...

Understanding Leprosy: Symptoms, Treatment, and Contagion Risks

Leprosy Hello Dr. Li: My father has recently shown some symptoms of leprosy (muscle atrophy in the hands, erythema on the body, swelling of the soles, and numbness in the hands and feet). We live in Kinmen. Where can he receive treatment, how should he be treated, and is it conta...

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
Dear Ms. Hsu, Based on your description: 1. The patient has a history of leprosy. 2. If the skin condition presents with redness and muscle atrophy, it is highly likely to be a recurrence of leprosy. 3. After the patient visits our hospital and a diagnosis is confirmed, trea...

Can Leprosy Bacteria Survive Outside the Host for Infection?

Some questions? Can Mycobacterium leprae survive outside of a host for an extended period (more than 24 hours) and cause infection? For example, similar to anthrax spores that can remain viable for a long time in powder or food, or does it need to exist within a host?

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
According to Robert C. Hastings M.D., Ph.D. in "Medicine in the Tropics - Leprosy," from pages 31 to 52 of Chapter 3, it is noted that Mycobacterium leprae, the causative agent of leprosy, can survive outside of a host animal under the following conditions: 1. It can re...

How to Prevent Hantavirus Infection: Symptoms and Vaccination Guide

excuse me? Doctor Li, I heard that Hantavirus has spread to central Taiwan... How can we prevent it? What symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention? Is there a vaccine available now?

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
The physician's response: Our institution is dedicated to leprosy treatment; hantavirus, rabies, and other conditions are not within our scope of practice. 90.02.02

Rabies: What to Do If Bitten by a Dog and Symptoms Timeline

Rabies If you are bitten by a dog on the street, should you go to the hospital for a vaccination? If rabies is indeed present, how long does it typically take for symptoms to appear? Thank you.

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
1. If a healthy dog is confined and observed for 10 days, the patient does not need to receive the rabies vaccine immediately. If the dog is infected with rabies or suspected to have rabies, the patient must receive the rabies vaccine immediately. 2. The average incubation period...

Understanding Leprosy: Causes, Symptoms, and Transmission Methods

Leprosy Hello. I would like to inquire about the causes, symptoms, and modes of transmission of leprosy. I would appreciate your prompt response. Thank you very much. :) Sincerely, a student from Fu Jen Catholic University.

Dr. Li Zhongxian reply Hansens Disease
1. The pathogenic agent Mycobacterium leprae. 2. Symptoms: (1) Characteristics of skin lesions: such as red spots, papules, plaques, nodules, or diffuse infiltration. (2) Loss of sensation: occurs in skin lesions or in areas of skin innervated by specific nerves. (3) Nerve enla...