What does leprosy look like? - Leprosy Mission International

Some examples leprosy skin patches

The patches are a different colour from the rest of the skin and they have no feeling if they are touched.

If you notice a patch of skin like this, speak to a health worker as soon as you can.

An example of a leprosy skin patch

An example of a leprosy skin patch

Leprosy skin patches

An example of testing a skin patch

A leprosy skin patch on a young girl's face

A skin patch on a young boy's arm

A skin patch on the cheek of a woman's face

Muscle weakness or paralysis

A hand with clawed fingers — Weak/paralysed muscles in the hand can cause the fingers to claw (curl)

The left foot is paralysed so the toes cannot be lifted up — Weakness/paralysis of the muscles in the leg mean the foot can't be lifted up

man is trying to close his eyes, but the right eye cannot close as the muscle is paralysed as a result of leprosy — Weakness/paralysis of the muscle around the eye means that the eye cannot be closed.

Leprosy is treated with multi-drug therapy (MDT)

A pack of pills which are taken to treat leprosy - MDT

A doctor holds a pack of MDT

A pack of MDT