Medical expert of the article
New publications
Lepra (leprosy) - Treatment
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Treatment of leprosy is carried out according to the following monthly scheme. On the first day, three drugs are prescribed: dapsone (100 mg), rifampicin (600 mg) and clofazimine (300 mg), and on the following days for a month - two drugs (100 mg of dapsone and 50 mg of clofazimine). Then the cycle is repeated (without a break). The duration of the course is not less than two years (until the disappearance of M. leprae in skin biopsies). Patients with tuberculoid and borderline tuberculoid leprosy are prescribed two drugs according to the same scheme from the very beginning: on the first day - 100 mg of dapsone and 600 mg of rifampicin, and then, for a month - dapsone at 100 mg. In Ukraine, dimocifon is produced from the group of sulfone series drugs. Ethionamide and prothionamide are used as second-line drugs for the treatment of patients with leprosy. To stop acute leprosy reactions, glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, analgesics, vitamins, drugs that improve nerve conduction and prevent the development of muscle atrophy, desensitizing drugs and immunomodulators are prescribed. Additional treatment for leprosy is used according to indications - physiotherapy (treatment of neuritis) and surgery (osteomyelitis).
What is the prognosis for leprosy?
Leprosy has a favorable prognosis if diagnosed in time. Late diagnosis and untimely treatment of leprosy leads to disabling consequences. With early diagnosis and good tolerance of combined treatment, working capacity does not suffer.
Clinical examination
Patients registered with a dispensary must be examined by a leprologist or dermatologist at least twice a year. Periodically, by decision of the anti-leprosy institution observing the patient, he is prescribed anti-relapse specific treatment for leprosy, and general strengthening measures are carried out. Rest in balneological sanatoriums is contraindicated for patients who have completed treatment.
[ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ]
Patient information sheet
Patients, especially those with impaired skin sensitivity, should inspect their extremities daily to detect injuries and burns promptly and to carry out appropriate treatment. They should regularly take their prescribed anti-relapse chemotherapy courses, despite their subjective well-being and the absence of signs of disease activation.
How is leprosy prevented?
There is no specific prevention of leprosy using vaccines or serums. The primary objective of anti-leprosy measures is the active detection and treatment of leprosy. In endemic areas, mass examinations, health education work, and controlled outpatient treatment programs are carried out, which significantly reduce the risk of spreading leprosy infection. The antigenic proximity of the causative agents of leprosy and tuberculosis formed the basis for the BCG vaccination of newborns for the prevention of leprosy.