LEPROSY

Leprosy is also known as Hansen’s disease. It is a skin infection which is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. It is a slow growing bacterium which may takes upto 20 years for skin infection. The bacteria affect the skin, nerves, eyes and mucosal lining of the nose. It is a contagious and fatal disease. The nerves which get affected become swollen underneath the skin. The affected area loses the ability to sense pain and touch. The color of the area gets changed. It either becomes dark or light. There is reddishness due to inflammation of the skin.

If leprosy is not treated, it can cause nerve damage leading to paralysis of hands or feet. Blindness and corneal ulceration can occur if facial nerves get affected.

CAUSES OF LEPROSY

Leprosy is caused by slow growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. It gets transmitted by the droplets released due to coughing or sneezing. It spreads by close contact with the infected person. However, the casual contacts like hugging, shaking hands or sitting next to each other do not cause transmission of the leprosy.

TYPES OF LEPROSY

Leprosy is of different types depending on the type of sores:

• Tuberculoid leprosy: It is a mild form of leprosy. In this, only a few patches of deformed skin occur. The affected part becomes numb because of the nerve damage. It is less contagious than others.
• Lepromatous leprosy: There occurs large no. of skin rashes and skin bumps. Kidneys, reproductive organs are also involved. Muscle weakness and numbness is present.
• Borderline leprosy: In this, symptoms of both tuberculoid and borderline leprosy occur. It is the most severe form of leprosy.

SYMPTOMS OF LEPROSY

The basic signs and symptoms of leprosy are:

• Flat skin lesions
• Numbness in the affected areas
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Nodule formation
• Formation of reddish plaques on the skin lesion
• Peripheral nerve thickening
• Muscle weakness
• Limb disfigurement
• Thick and dry skin
• Ulcers on the soles of feet (painless)
• Loss of eyelashes and eyebrows
• Paralysis in hands and feet
• Nose bleeding
• Nasal congestion
• Burning sensation in skin

COMPLICATIONS OF LEPROSY

Following are the complications which are associated with leprosy:

• Inflammation of iris
• Glaucoma
• Hairfall
• Erectile dysfunction
• Kidney failure
• Chronic stuffy nose
• Muscle fatigue
• Face disfigurement
• Permanent damage to nerves

DIAGNOSIS OF LEPROSY

The doctor will look for the types of skin lesions. He will ask patients about the signs and symptoms of the disease. He will perform skin biopsy. He can make the patient do the lepromin skin test.

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTER’S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF LEPROSY

Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh Ayurved Center which are used for the treatment of leprosy:

1. Detox Premium Powder

This is a herbo-mineral preparation that contains ingredients like Parwal Pishti, Giloy satv, Shukta Pishti, Kamdudha Ras, Gandhak Rasayan, etc.

Parwal Pishti: This Pishti reduces inflammation, flaking, itching of the skin. The Pishti is composed of natural coral calcium processed with rose water.

Shukta Pishti: It helps to balance the Pitta dosha in the body. All signs and symptoms related to Psoriasis patients are managed with this article.

Giloy Satv: This satv is prepared from the herb Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties of this herb deal with psoriasis easily.

Kamdudha Ras: This herbal-mineral classical preparation balances Pitta dosha in the body.

Gandhak Rasayana: This herbal preparation is used since ancient times for all types of skin disorders.

Tal Sindoor: It contains ingredients like Shuddh parad, Aloe vera, Gandhak, etc that relieve redness in psoriasis patients.

Akik Pishti: This Pishti reduces all types of Pitta related disorder hence it gives good results in psoriasis.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 sachet twice daily with plain water.

2. Blood Purifier Syrup

It is ayurvedic syrup that consists of various natural ingredients such as Khadir Chall (Acacia catechu), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Harad (Terminalia bellirica), Baheda (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis), etc. As the syrup purifies the blood by removing excess toxins it is very beneficial in maintaining proper circulation and improves the skin naturally.

Recommended Dosage– Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.

3. Twak Tailam

Twak tailam is very effective for the skin as it deeply nourishes the tissues and improves the skin luster. The tailam is composed of yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. The tailam supports skin health, helps in reducing uneven pigments, improves complexion, and helps in deep detoxification and blood purification without any side effects.

Method of Application– Apply over the affected area of the skin.

4. Skin care tablet

Skin care tablet is a pure ayurvedic formulation. It help to maintain the texture of your skin depending on the type of skin you have. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimb churna, Khadir chahal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Chopchini, Gandhak, Ajmoda that work very effectively on all skin types. Skin care is a blood purifying tablet. It cools and detoxifies the blood, increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimizes the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily.

5. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu

Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu is an ayurvedic preparation mainly used for skin diseases. This tablet contains pure herbal ingredients such as Nimba(Azadirachta indica), Patola(Cucumis acutangulus), Guduchi(Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa(Adhatoda vasica), etc. This tablet promotes detoxification and rejuvenation. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu tablet is a natural source of anti – oxidant. It promotes engender vibrant and healthy skin.

Recommended Dosage–Take 1 tablets twice a day with normal water.

6. Panchsakar Churna

Panchsakar Churna is an ayurvedic formulation that consists of five ingredients named as – Saindhav Lavana (Rock Salt), Swarnapatri (Cassia angustifolia), Shatapushpa (Anethum sowa), Shunti – (Zingiber officinale), Balaharitaki  (Unripe fruits of Terminalia chebula). Panchsakar Churna is naturally detoxifying, thus it removes the toxins from the body. It relieves inflammation and useful in all types of skin problems.The powder has an anti – inflammatory properties due to which it can reduces the swelling.

Recommended Dosage– Take 1 teaspoonful with lukewarm water at bedtime.

7. Neem soap

Neem soap is natural and herbal handmade soap prepared from the standard extract of herb Neem (Azadirachta indica). Neem herb is widely used to cure acute to chronic Skin problems such as Pimples, Itching, Dryness, Blemishes, Dark spots, Pigmentation, Scars etc. It is such a wonderful herb that is easily available and shows Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-microbial, Antifungal, Antiseptic properties. Neem cleanses the pores and protects the skin from various infections, Psoriasis, Eczema, Leprosy, Skin ulcers. It restores the health of damaged skin, tones skin complexion, prevents premature ageing, Wrinkles, Fine lines can protect against UV rays, and acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin.

Method of Application: Neem Soap can be regularly used on face and body, as a bath soap.

8. Trikatu Tablet

Trikatu Tablet helps to eliminate excess Kapha or mucous from the body, supports respiratory system, manages weight, helps totake out impurities or ama from the body, supports healthy detoxification, reduces swelling. It shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, antioxidant properties. This tablet is made up of equal parts of three herbs such as Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), & Marich (Piper nigrum) that maintains the metabolism in the body.

Recommended dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.