Table of contents:
- The difference between psoriasis and leprosy
- 1. Causes of disease
- 2. Symptoms on the skin
- 3. Mode of transmission
- 4. The resulting complications
- 5. Treatment is carried out
Psoriasis and leprosy cause skin lesions, which are skin tissue that grows abnormally either on the surface or under the skin's surface and other similar symptoms. However, both are different diseases so the treatment to be carried out is different. To find out more about these two diseases, consider the following reviews.
The difference between psoriasis and leprosy
Here are the differences between psoriasis and leprosy:
1. Causes of disease
Psoriasis disease is caused by a chronic immune system disorder that accelerates the buildup of skin cells. T cells, which are part of the immune system that have abnormalities, work abnormally. These cells err, think there is inflammation in the body due to infection, when in fact it is not there. This causes the production of excess skin cells as if to heal a wound or fight infection. The skin peels off faster in just a few days, even though the normal skin turnover cycle is about one month or when the wound does occur.
Meanwhile, leprosy is caused by bacteria M. Lepra which attacks the peripheral nervous system. Most of these bacteria survive for a long time; seed and divide in the cells of the human body. In that long time, these bacteria will cause inflammation of the nerve trunks around the skin.
2. Symptoms on the skin
According to Healthline, the lesions in leprosy have a lighter color (hypopigmentation) than the surrounding area, similar to tinea versicolor. The skin area becomes dry and feels thick. There is muscle weakness and nervous breakdown in the skin that is rubbed off; numbness and enlargement of nerves. Then, ulcers or open sores appear on the skin on the feet. For lepromatous leprosy, a large lump will appear on the skin.
Psoriasis causes lesions that usually look more like dry skin. The coloration of the lesions is usually red or purple with silvery white scales. The lesions are itchy, hot, and painful. Sometimes psoriasis can cause your skin to crack and bleed. In addition, your nails will harden and thicken. For psoriatic arthritis, the joints become stiff and swollen. Symptoms that occur on the skin depend on the severity.
3. Mode of transmission
Psoriasis is not a contagious disease because it is caused by a disturbance in a person's immune system. This means you won't catch it even if you kiss, have sex, or are in the same pool. However, this disease can occur due to heredity along with triggers, such as drug use, stress, and others.
Unlike leprosy, this disease is contagious. However, the transmission of leprosy is not easy and the disease takes a long time to develop. Transmission is believed to be through the skin and mucus fluid (snot) from the nose, when the patient coughs or sneezes. Healthy people who are frequently in close proximity to patients who are not undergoing MDT treatment (multidrug therapy) can catch this disease.
4. The resulting complications
Psoriasis can increase the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and other autoimmune diseases. Meanwhile, leprosy can cause damage and disability to the body if it is not treated as soon as possible.
5. Treatment is carried out
Psoriasis cannot be treated, but several treatments can relieve the symptoms and the severity of the inflammation that occurs. Treatment of psoriasis should continue, including light therapy, drugs, such as anthralin or corticosteroids and immunomodulatory drugs such as enbrel or stelara.
Meanwhile, leprosy can be treated and completely cured as long as the patient routinely follows MDT antibiotic therapy for 6 months to 2 years. If it is not resolved or the treatment is carried out irregularly, the bacteria will become resistant to antibiotics and must seek other antibiotics.
