Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is one of the most stigmatized diseases in the world, leaving patients feeling isolated and discriminated against even years after scientists found a cure.
Caused by Mycobacterium leprae, leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, nerves, eyes and nasal lining. Symptoms on the skin include lumps, swelling, ulcers, discolored patches and loss of eyebrows and eyelashes. The patients may also experience nose bleeds and stuffy noses. Nerve damage can cause numbness and weakness and may result in crippling of hands and feet, paralysis and blindness if left untreated.
