Leprosy Training Module for Medical Officers

Before starting treatment with MDT , you must look for the following :
1. Jaundice : If the patient has jaundice, you will have to wait till the jaundice
subsides.
2. Anaemia : If the patient is anaemic, treat the anaemia simultaneously.
3. Tuberculosis : If the patient is taking Rifampicin, ensure that he continues
to take Rifampicin in the dose required for the treatment of Tuberculosis
along with other drug regimen required for the treatment of Leprosy.
4. Allergy to Sulpha Drugs : If the patient is known to be allergic to Sulpha
drugs, Dapsone should be avoided.
Before starting the treatment, following basic facts regarding the treatment
must be explained to the patient :
1. Explain that Leprosy is curable like all other diseases.
2. Ask the patient for his ideas about Leprosy, and if any is false, then
correct it.
3. Explain that contacts of the patient could develop the disease.
Arrange to have the examination of the contacts.
4. Treatment must be taken regularly.
5. Explain the doses.
6. Explain about possible side effects ( red colouration of urine, darkening of
skin, skin rashes etc ).
7. If a patient has sensory loss, explain that continued self care is needed to
prevent disability.
8. At the end of treatment, explain to the patient that treatment has been
completed but self care is still important, and if further problems arise, to
come back for treatment.
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