Early Leprosy Treatment Helps Avoid Disease Progression and Disability

Posted by Ajinkya on January 28th, 2021

Leprosy is a debilitating chronic disease affecting mainly the skin, mucosal membranes and nerves of the skin. It is a multisystem disorder that causes permanent damage to the skin and surrounding tissues of the arms, legs, and trunk of most patients. The disease predominantly affects the elderly; however, it has been reported that even young children may be at risk. Although there is no specific genetic factor for the disease, age is a common precipitating factor. In addition, leprosy can have an unpredictable pattern of progression; thus, the disease may become more or less severe over time.

One of the many facts about leprosy is that the causative agent cannot be permanently eradicated from the body. In order to control the progression of the infection in leprosy treatment, the patient must take preventive measures in order to slow down the spread of the causative agent. Prophylactic treatment is administered to prevent further rash production. Persons affected with leprosy generally experience flu-like symptoms; these symptoms include muscle aches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and swelling of the face and extremities. To minimize the complications that may arise during a recovery period, it is recommended that the patient avoid exertion at least two days before the commencement of the post-operation rehabilitation program. As a consequence, hospitalization is not required.

Prompt and appropriate leprosy treatment prevents a large number of complications. In particular, leprosy generates drastic and life-threatening changes in the skin condition of the patient. Therefore, appropriate therapy should be given to the patients in order to minimize the risks of infection and restore their skin strength and elasticity. A key aspect of effective leprosy treatment therapy is the administration of immunosuppressive drugs, which serve to enhance the patient's immune system through natural means and thus preventing the recurrence of the disease.

Immune therapy is highly successful in leprosy treatment. This therapy enhances the patient's natural ability to fight against infectious agents and thus results in overall improvement of the immune system. In some patients, Immune therapy can also be given as a single dose of medicine. This low dose of medicine can also be given during the first week of leprosy therapy in order to observe the effect on the immune system. However, Immune therapy should be done only under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner as there are certain side effects that can occur due to this form of leprosy therapy.

Immune-boosting diets are generally used by patients undergoing leprosy treatment in order to boost their immunity and reduce the intensity of their symptoms. Immune boosting diet is generally comprised of enriched whole grain foods, fruits, vegetables, legumes, low-fat dairy products etc. A patient undergoing leprosy treatment should consume foods rich in vitamins A, C and minerals such as Zinc, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin E. Such a diet helps in reducing the intensity of the symptoms and thereby allows patients to live a normal life. Foods which have a strong Vitamin E component also prove to be effective in reducing the symptoms associated with leprosy. Some common foods like spinach, kale, tomatoes, oranges, carrots, cabbage, beans, apricots, eggs, soybeans etc contain very high levels of Vitamin E.

Vitamin C diets are also highly recommended for patients suffering from leprosy as Vitamin C helps in making the body immune system strong. A common dish among patients suffering from Leprosy is tomato soup, which is considered to be a perfect Leprosy soup. The diet should include plenty of Vitamin C as it helps in stimulating the blood flow. A majority of leprosy patients also claim that consuming fresh pineapple is also very beneficial for reducing the symptoms associated with leprosy.

It is very important that you adhere strictly to the leprosy diet plan during your leprosy treatment. As you may already know this disease generally occurs in people who are suffering from a weak immune system. So it's always advised that you take all possible precautions even while undergoing leprosy treatment to prevent the disease. Taking a balanced diet during your leprosy treatment will not only help in restoring your appetite but also in increasing the amount of nutrients consumed by your body. The most important thing you should remember is never to skip any meals or eat any type of food which is unfamiliar to you.

Leprosy diet plans should include fruits and vegetable. Avoid oily or salty foods. Also try and include meat and legumes in your leprosy diet plan. The main purpose of following a leprosy diet plan is to improve the condition of your body so follow it with devotion and it will surely work.