what does leprosy look like?

Some examples of leprosy skin patches

The patches are a different colour from the rest of the skin and they have no feeling if they are touched.

If you notice a patch of skin like this, speak to a health worker as soon as you can.

Patch of discoloured skin on child's face
Spots of discoloured skin on a man's back
Patch of discoloured skin

Muscle weakness or paralysis

Clawing of fingers from weak/paralysed muscles in the hand

Weak/paralysed muscles in the hand can cause the fingers to claw (curl)

paralysis of leg muscles resulting in inability to lift the foot

Weakness/paralysis of the muscles in the leg mean the foot can’t be lifted up

Blindness resulting from paralysis of eye muscles

Weakness/paralysis of the muscle around the eye means that the eye cannot be closed.

Leprosy is treated with multi-drug therapy (MDT)