Leprosy

Patients should be followed up every 3 months during therapy, with evaluation of the skin and peripheral nerves. Patients should be instructed to return to the clinic earlier if signs of neuritis or reaction develop.

Patients should be educated in the prevention of injuries, and protection of hands and feet is especially important if they have loss of sensation in the extremities. Regular examination of the eyes is also important.

If the patient has developed an immunological reaction and is being treated with prednisolone or thalidomide, close follow-up is needed every month.

After completing treatment, paucibacillary leprosy patients should be followed up annually for 3 years and multibacillary patients should be followed up annually for 5 years.