Page 77 - LECTURE NOTES

Classification of leprosy

For the choice of multi drug therapy bacillary (MDT) patients are classified as
Paucibacillary (PB) and Multi bacillary (MB). So, new patient will be classified based on

the numbers of skin lesions and result of skin smear.
You need one of the three to diagnose leprosy. If you are in doubt wait and recheck

after few months

Chemotherapy of leprosy

PB
Drugs Dose Duration of RX Method of use

DDS 100 mg 6months Self administer
Rifampcin 600 mg 6months Under

supervision
MB
DDS 100 mg 1year Self administer

Clofazemin 50 mg 1year Self administer

Rifampicin 600 mg 1year Under
supervision

Clofazamin 300 mg 1year Under
supervision

Paucibacillary
Patient with one to five leprosy skin lesions

Multi bacillary

- Patient with six or more skin lesions
- Patient with less than six skin lesions and have positive skin smear result

How to examine for leprosy reaction of skin

- Ask the person if there is any pain and swelling on the skin patches, the nerves
have to be examined for swelling of nerves and tenderness

- Exam the patient for signs of inflammation on skin

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