Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by acid-fast bacilli Mycobacterium leprae. It affects the patient’s skin and nerves. In ancient times, leprosy patients were thrown out of the community as they were considered sinners. It was in 1873 when Hansen found that the condition is not due to sin but is an infection by […]

The seven-year itch – it explains the irritating symptoms and contagious nature of the disease that lasts for a longer duration. Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by a parasitic mite that makes people itchy, called Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis.  It is transmitted from person to person. Now, let us see how the mite makes […]

Have you ever noticed the appearance of leprosy patients in old movies? They are usually represented wearing filthy clothes indicating a low socioeconomic status. Apart from that, they are portrayed with multiple wounds over the body with deformed limbs and faces. Due to late diagnosis and lack of treatment options, patients often present with late […]