1. Start an Antibiotic Regimen
Antibiotics can stop leprosy from progressing. Typically, doctors will prescribe dapsone and rifampin to treat the disease. However, some bacteria can be antibiotic resistant, so your doctor probably will prescribe additional drugs. Clofazimine is most commonly prescribed for tough cases of leprosy, but you also might need minocycline, ofloxacin, clarithromycin or ethionamide. You may be taking antibiotics for 6 months to several years, depending on the type of leprosy you have and how your body reacts to treatment. For example, people who suffer from lepromatous leprosy normally need a lifetime regimen of antibiotics to keep healthy.
2. Control the Inflammation
If you're receiving oral medications to treat your leprosy, you might experience inflammation around the sores on your body. Aspirin can stop the swelling, but your doctor may prescribe something to reduce it quicker. Prednisone is a steroid that reduces swelling; thalidomide is a sedative-hypnotic that also can decrease inflammation. Although your skin may not be broken, use soap for sensitive skin on any inflamed areas.
3. Undergo Rehabilitation for Leprosy
Unfortunately, any nerve damage you experience with leprosy is permanent. The disease can ruin your peripheral nerves, which control your motor, sensory and autonomic nerve functions. In addition to sticking to your antibiotic regimen, take meticulous care of your skin and avoid herbal remedies while your body heals. Eating well, exercising regularly and avoiding toxins, such as cigarettes, can improve your overall health and compensate for some nerve deficiencies. Depending on the type and severity of your nerve damage, you may benefit from massage or acupuncture. However, since leprosy is so difficult to treat, you should discuss any alternative or self-treatments with your doctor prior to starting a regimen.
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