Atopic Dermatitis: a Short Summary
Epidemiology:
- cause: mycobacterium leprae
- reservoir in humans, (and a few animals such as the nine-banded armadillo)
- transmission by inhalation (respiratory) (also by skin contact)
- Development of the disease through T-cell mediated response
- Less than 5% of people are infected in an affected group (attack rate) less than 5%, death is lower than 0.1%
- Incubation period is on average 2-5 years (up to 20)
- Geographic spread is worldwide, 200000 new leprosy patients yearly worldwide
Areas with higher prevalence: Sudan, Brazil and South Pacific Islands. Also present in Africa, South America and the Indian Sub-Continent (India, Bangladesh…)
Classifcation (WHO):
- paucibacillary (tuberculoid according to the Ridley and Jopling Classification), multibacillary (lepromatous)
- Leprosy apart from the skin has a consequence on the peripheral nerves nerves, acute & chronic manifestations as well as social stigma.
Tuberculoid Leprosy
Treatment: MDT (Multidrug Therapy)
- PB (Paucibacillary): rifampicin (monthly) et dapsone (daily) for 6 months,
- MB (Multibacillary): riafampicin(monthly), clofazimine (daily), dapsone (daily) for 12months
Contributors:
Dr Christophe HSU – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland
Source of information: Richardus JH. Chemo- and Immunoprophylactic Strategies in Leprosy Control. 2012 (02) – 20th Regional Conference of Dermatology (RCD) – Manila, Phillipines
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