Description
The “Leprosy” (50x70 cm) educational chart is a comprehensive, visually engaging tool that explains the causes, symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment of leprosy (Hansen’s disease), appropriate for classrooms, clinics, and health outreach programs.
Chart Features
Size: 50x70 cm, laminated and printed in English/Hindi, with clear illustrations of the affected skin, nerves, and disease stages.
Cause: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, affecting the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucous membranes.
Symptoms:
Numb, pale, or reddish patches on the skin
Thickened/enlarged peripheral nerves, leading to weakness or numbness in hands and feet
Skin sores, nodules, or lumps, sometimes leading to deformity in advanced cases.
Muscle weakness, loss of sensation—can result in injury or secondary infections.
Transmission: Spread is mainly through nasal droplets from untreated individuals after prolonged, close contact; it does not spread through casual touching, sharing meals, or short-term proximity.
Prevention:
Early detection and treatment stop transmission and prevent disability
Avoid prolonged, close contact with untreated patients
Public health programs use contact tracing, health education, and—where feasible—post-exposure prophylaxis for contacts.
Good hygiene and prompt attention to skin/nerve symptoms are recommended in endemic areas.
Treatment:
Leprosy is curable with multi-drug therapy (MDT: dapsone, rifampicin, clofazimine), provided free of charge worldwide by WHO; 6 months for paucibacillary, 12 months for multibacillary types.
Early treatment prevents deformities; isolation is NOT required for those receiving therapy.
Educational Value
Helps reduce stigma, explains contagion and safety, and promotes timely care and social reintegration.
Guides teachers, students, and the community to recognize early signs, support affected persons, and avoid discrimination.
Essential in areas with ongoing transmission and for general medical awareness.
This chart is an effective health education resource for dispelling myths, encouraging early treatment, and fostering compassion around leprosy.