Hansen's disease--commonly known as leprosy--is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacteriumleprae. According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, symptoms of Hansen's disease don't usually begin to develop until at least a year after infection, and, once they appear, they progress slowly. The cardinal symptoms of Hansen's disease are skin lesions, nerve damage and muscle weakness. However, additional serious complications can develop over time.
On the Skin
Hansen's disease causes the development of disfiguring lesions on the face and other parts of the body that are generally lighter in color than the rest of the skin. The location and appearance of these lesions may differ, depending on the type of leprosy. Those with tuberculoid leprosy generally have milder symptoms and are less contagious. They may have one or a few skin lesions with sharp, raised edges. Those with lepromatous leprosy, on the other hand, have more severe symptoms and widespread bacteria on the skin. Lesions may appear on the face, nose, testes and internally on the kidneys. The lesions can take numerous forms, including macules (flat, discolored areas on the skin), papules (elevated skin areas that do not contain fluid), nodules (large lumps) and plaques (slightly elevated skin lesions that can be felt with the fingers).
In Nerves
Hansen's disease can lead to the development of serious complications due to peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which the nerves leading to and from the brain and spinal cord are damaged. Nerve damage causes people with Hansen's to progressively lose their sense of touch and ability to feel temperature and pain, putting them at increased risk to accidentally burn or cut themselves. Numbness or tingling can occur in the hands, arms, feet or legs. Skin lesions are often numb to the touch because of damage to underlying nerves. Large muscle groups may also be affected, causing muscle weakness.
Other Complications
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hansen's disease may also affect the nasal passages, causing congestion and nosebleeds. If not treated, nasal erosion and collapse of the septum can occur.
Merck Manuals indicates that men with lepromatous leprosy may develop gynecomastia (an enlargement of the breasts), erectile dysfunction and infertility. Additionally, plantar ulcers may form on the feet and become infected, eyelashes or eyebrows may fall out, and corneal scarring, glaucoma or blindness can occur.
Hansen's disease can also cause the immune system to produce inflammatory reactions, leading to skin swelling, redness and tenderness, worsening nerve damage, ulcerating and infected skin lesions, fever, nerve inflammation (neuritis), anemia, infection of the lymph nodes and arthritis.
