This disease has existed since antiquity, it is leprosy, or commonly called leprosy, which is even found in several biblical passages.
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Ancient writings tell several cases of people who suffered from this disease. Its first dated records are from a few centuries before Christ. So, check now for more information about leprosy, the oldest disease in the world.
What is leprosy?
Much was believed that leprosy was a divine curse against that individual who contracted the disease, this was due to the lack of information and cultural issues at the time.
However, in 1873, it was discovered that the disease is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. After its categorization, it was characterized as “Hansen's Bacillus”. Receiving this name on account of the researcher Gerhard Armauer Hansen, who identified it.
What are your symptoms?
Being a bacterial infection, this disease attacks skin tissues and nerves. It manifests itself through pale patches on the body of the infected individual. The places where these spots appear look like dead skin, since hair does not grow and sweating does not occur.
In this sense, the individual loses sensitivity in the area. One of the worst consequences of the disease is that it can cause permanent "disability" in the infected person. Today, there are records of about 202,185 new cases of the disease worldwide.
What is the proper treatment?
The treatment of this bacterial infection is done using complex and difficult-to-access medications. However, in Brazil, these drugs are available through the Unified Health System (SUS).
To get an idea, in Brazil alone, cases of leprosy reach almost 30,000 per year. Therefore, when noticing any skin anomaly that resembles the symptoms of this disease, you need to seek help from a dermatologist immediately.