Treatment:

A number of different antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that causes the disease.

Aspirin, prednisone, or thalidomide are used to control inflammation.

Expectations (prognosis):

Early recognition is important. Early treatment limits damage by the disease, renders the person noninfectious, and allows for a normal lifestyle.

Complications:

• Permanent nerve damage
• Cosmetic disfigurement

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if signs or symptoms described here occur, especially following exposure. Cases of leprosy in the United States need to be reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.