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:
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.[Read More] Impact of Early Treatment on Leprosy: Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
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:
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...[Read More] Understanding Leprosy: Transmission Risks and Health Concerns
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:
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...[Read More] Managing Leprosy Symptoms: Treatment Insights and Medication Guidance
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:
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...[Read More] Understanding Leprosy: Why Bacterial Counts May Increase After Treatment
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:
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...[Read More] Managing Leprosy: Treatment Duration, Fish Oil Myths, and Foot Care
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:
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...[Read More] Understanding Leprosy: Treatment, Side Effects, and Management Tips
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:
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...[Read More] DIY Rehabilitation for Leprosy: Managing Symptoms and Recovery
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:
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...[Read More] Overcoming Leprosy: Seeking Hope and Healing Beyond Pain
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:
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...[Read More] Effective Treatment Strategies for Leprosy and Patient Care Tips
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:
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...[Read More] Managing Pain and Symptoms in Leprosy Patients: Effective Strategies
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:
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...[Read More] Understanding Leprosy: Symptoms, Treatment, and Contagion Risks
Understanding Leprosy and Diabetes: Common Questions Answered
Several questions? Recently, in history class, I heard the teacher mention that An Lushan had rotten hands and feet in his later years, his nose decayed, and he lost his eyesight. The teacher suggested that An Lushan's issues might have been caused by diabetes, so I would li...
Dr. Xie Nanguang Reply:
1. Leprosy can lead to blindness in both eyes. 2. This may be due to insufficient awareness campaigns; on one hand, there may be fewer new cases leading to a lack of attention; on the other hand, as it is an infectious disease, efforts to prevent public panic may have resulted i...[Read More] Understanding Leprosy and Diabetes: Common Questions Answered
Essential Wound Care for Leprosy: Resources and Best Practices
Leprosy wound care Doctor: I am a nurse looking for information about leprosy hospitals, specifically images related to the wound care of leprosy patients, in order to compare wound healing and improve nursing care. Thank you!
Dr. Xie Nanguang Reply:
I am unable to fully understand the exact meaning of your question; however, I will analyze your inquiry in three parts: 1. Are you looking for information about leprosy hospitals' websites? In Taiwan, there is only one such hospital, and you should already have the email ...[Read More] Essential Wound Care for Leprosy: Resources and Best Practices
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:
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...[Read More] Can Leprosy Bacteria Survive Outside the Host for Infection?
Managing Leprosy Complications: Diabetes and Chronic Osteomyelitis Care
Regarding the management of leprosy combined with diabetes and chronic osteomyelitis? My father is sixty-two years old and has suffered from leprosy since he was around twenty. He has a wound on the sole of his foot, which has led to progressive atrophy of the foot. He has underg...
Dr. Xie Nanguang Reply:
Mr. Tsai: Thank you very much for your questions. I will address each of your inquiries. If there are any misunderstandings or if further treatment is needed, please bring your father to our hospital for consultation, but be sure to contact us by phone beforehand! Our hospital&#x...[Read More] Managing Leprosy Complications: Diabetes and Chronic Osteomyelitis Care
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:
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[Read More] How to Prevent Hantavirus Infection: Symptoms and Vaccination Guide
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:
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...[Read More] Understanding Leprosy: Causes, Symptoms, and Transmission Methods