Leprosy primarily affects the skin and nerves of humans. The lesions may be remarkably asymptomatic even after years of existence. However, some patients develop reactions resulting in painful cutaneous lesions accompanied by fever, malaise and other symptoms. Most frequently the first signs develop on the skin, even though the nerve is always involved simultaneously. In…
The type of disease developed is partially linked to the HLA genes: HLA DR2 and HLA DR3 predispose to tuberculoid disease and HLA–Mt1 to lepromatous disease. Environmental factors such as poor nutrition and poor sanitation play a role through altered immunity in a yet ill-understood mechanism. Human disease results from formation of granulomas in the…
Mycobacterium leprae is the cause of leprosy – the organism being first discovered by Armauer Hansen in 1873. The infected human being is considered to be the only source of infection. Although 4% of the nine-banded armadillo in the USA have naturally acquired leprosy-like disease, only a handful of the spread from the armadillo to…
Leprosy has struck fear into human beings for thousands of years. Since ancient times, leprosy has been regarded as a highly contagious, mutilating and incurable disease and this has led to an intense negative reaction from the community – many of whom dread the people afflicted with leprosy more than the disease itself. However, with…
The Global Dermatology Information Portal has been visited in the following countries/territories:
Australia French Polynesia Guam Micronesia New Caledonia New Zealand Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna
Lyme disease, what is it? Lyme disease (also called Borreliosis) is a systemic disease with skin manifestations. It is caused by bacteria of the Borrelia family which is transmitted via a tick bite (tick of the Ixodes family). The name Lyme disease refers to “Old Lyme”, a town in Connecticut in the United States where…
It is important to know the methods to avoid pregnancy (contraception). However, we wish to underline that despite all the contraceptive methods available, sexually transmitted infections (STI) can only be strongly diminished by the use of male and female condoms. How to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI)? The ideal way is to have sexual relationships…
Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland It is pleasant to walk in forests once the weather becomes pleasant. However, it is a good idea to avoid insect bites, especially ticks. In forests throughout the world, but especially in Europe and North America, these insects may carry bacteria causing Lyme disease (Borreliosis). To avoid insect…
Dr. Christophe HSU – dermatólogo. Ginebra, Suiza ¿Qué es la lepra? Es una infección por una bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. ¿Cómo se transmite? Todavía es poco conocida, pero la transmisión sería a través de la vía respiratoria No se transmite en el nacimiento e incluso el contacto prolongado no garantiza su transmisión. ¿De qué manera se…
We advise you to have your moles examined by a dermatologist, most especially if: you have more than 100 moles an individual in your family has had a melanoma you are 40 years old you have light-colored (coloured) (photoypes I and II) and/or blue, green eyes you get easily sunburnt you are worried We advise…
