MACULAR LEPROSY Meaning and
Definition
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Macular leprosy, also known as macular Hansen's disease, is a form of leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. This condition primarily affects the skin and nerves and is characterized by the formation of macules on the skin.
Macules are flat, discolored patches that often appear pale or reddish-brown in color. In macular leprosy, these lesions are usually irregularly shaped and vary in size. They are typically found on the face, limbs, and trunk, often affecting symmetrical areas of the body. The macules may be accompanied by numbness, loss of sensation, or reduced sweat gland function, leading to dry and scaly patches of skin.
Unlike other forms of leprosy, macular leprosy does not cause significant damage to peripheral nerves, leading to only minimal physical impairment. However, it can still have significant psychological and social effects on individuals affected by the disease.
The diagnosis of macular leprosy is typically made based on clinical presentation, skin biopsy, and a thorough history. Once diagnosed, patients are usually treated with a multi-drug therapy involving antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection and prevent further complications.
While the prevalence of leprosy has significantly reduced worldwide, macular leprosy remains an important subtype of the disease that affects individuals in certain regions. Timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and improved awareness are crucial in managing and preventing the spread of macular leprosy.
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Anesthetic l. marked by the presence of spots on the skin, either pigmented (black l.) or lighter than normal (white l.).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MACULAR LEPROSY
- nacular leprosy
- kacular leprosy
- jacular leprosy
- mzcular leprosy
- mscular leprosy
- mwcular leprosy
- mqcular leprosy
- maxular leprosy
- mavular leprosy
- mafular leprosy
- madular leprosy
- macylar leprosy
- machlar leprosy
- macjlar leprosy
- macilar leprosy
- mac8lar leprosy
- mac7lar leprosy
- macukar leprosy
- macupar leprosy
- macuoar leprosy
Etymology of MACULAR LEPROSY
The term "Macular Leprosy" is composed of two parts:
1. Macular - The word "macular" comes from the Latin word "macula", which means "spot" or "blemish". It is used to describe a condition or symptom that is characterized by the presence of spots or discoloration on the skin or other tissues.
2. Leprosy - The word "leprosy" derives from the Greek word "lepra", which means "scaly disease". It is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, which primarily affects the skin and nerves. Leprosy has been known since ancient times and has a significant historical and cultural impact.
Together, "Macular Leprosy" refers to a form or subtype of leprosy characterized by macules or spots on the skin.
