Leprosy

Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease)

Overview
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It mainly affects the skin, nerves, mucous membranes, and eyes. Contrary to common belief, leprosy is not highly contagious. Transmission is thought to occur through droplets from the nose or mouth of untreated patients after prolonged, close contact.

Around 95% of people are naturally immune, which means only a small portion of those exposed will develop the disease. With early diagnosis and treatment, leprosy is curable, and disability can be prevented.

Symptoms

Light-colored or reddish skin patches that persist for weeks or months
Skin patches with reduced sensation (touch, pain, heat)
Numbness in hands, feet, arms, and legs (“glove and stocking anesthesia”)
Muscle weakness and paralysis (leading to deformities of hands/feet)
Eye problems (can lead to blindness if untreated)
Enlarged nerves, especially around the elbows and knees
Stuffy nose and nosebleeds
Ulcers on soles of the feet
Curling of fingers and thumb due to paralysis of small hand muscles

Effects
If untreated, leprosy can cause:

Permanent nerve damage
Disfigurement of hands, feet, and face
Blindness due to eye involvement
Chronic ulcers and secondary infections
Social stigma and psychological distress

Treatment
Leprosy is completely curable with appropriate medication:

Multidrug therapy (MDT) is the standard treatment, using a combination of antibiotics (dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine). Treatment duration ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on severity.
Anti-inflammatory drugs (such as corticosteroids) may be used to manage nerve pain and inflammation.
Surgery or physiotherapy may be required to correct deformities or restore function.
Self-care: Regular skin and wound care to prevent infections and complications.

Prevention & Care

Early detection and treatment prevent transmission.
Close contacts of leprosy patients may receive preventive therapy.
Education and awareness help reduce stigma.

Moles

Moles (Nevi)

Overview

Moles are one of the most common types of skin growths. They usually appear as small, dark brown spots caused by clusters of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.

Moles often develop during childhood or adolescence, and most people have between 10 and 40 moles. Some may change in appearance or fade with age.

While most moles are harmless, in rare cases, they may develop into skin cancer (melanoma). This makes regular monitoring of moles and other pigmented skin patches very important.

Symptoms / Characteristics

Color & Texture – Moles may be brown, tan, black, red, blue, or pink. They can be smooth, wrinkled, flat, or raised. Some may have hair growth.
Shape – Most moles are oval or round.
Size – Usually smaller than 1/4 inch (6 mm) in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Congenital Moles (present at birth) – May be larger and cover wider areas of the skin, such as the face, limbs, or body.

Effects / Risks

Cosmetic concern – Visible moles may affect appearance.
Irritation – Moles in high-friction areas (waistline, armpits, neck) may get irritated.
Cancer risk (Melanoma) – Rarely, moles may turn into cancer. Warning signs include:
- Rapid growth or enlargement
- Irregular/blurred borders
- Uneven or multiple colors
- Bleeding, itching, or pain
- Change in shape, size, or texture

Treatment & Management

Medical Care

Observation – Most moles require no treatment, just monitoring.
Surgical removal – A dermatologist may remove moles that are suspicious, irritating, or unwanted cosmetically.
Biopsy – If a mole looks abnormal, a small tissue sample may be tested to rule out cancer.

Self-Care & Prevention

Protect skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).
Avoid tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure.
Perform monthly self-checks of skin.
Use the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolution) to spot unusual moles.
Visit a dermatologist annually or whenever a mole changes.

Homeopathic Support (for harmless moles, under guidance)

Thuja Occidentalis – for small skin growths and warts.
Sulphur – for rough, itchy skin with multiple moles.
Calcarea Carbonica – for individuals prone to multiple skin spots.
Nitric Acid – for painful or sensitive moles.

Perioral Dermatitis

Overview

Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the area around the mouth. When the rash spreads to the nose, eyes, or other facial areas, it is also referred to as periorificial dermatitis.

The rash typically appears as red, scaly, or bumpy skin and may be accompanied by fluid-filled lesions, mild itchiness, or burning sensations. While the condition is more common in women aged 16–45, it can occur in all ages, races, and children.

Without appropriate treatment, perioral dermatitis may subside temporarily but often recurs, and individual episodes can last for weeks to months.

Symptoms

Rash of red bumps around the mouth and in the folds of the nose
Scaly or rough texture of the affected skin
Rash may also appear:
- Under the eyes
- On the forehead
- On the chin
Mild itching, burning, or stinging sensations
Occasionally, clear fluid discharge from bumps

Effects

Cosmetic concern and reduced self-confidence due to visible facial rash
Chronic or recurring episodes may cause emotional stress or frustration
Persistent inflammation can increase sensitivity of the facial skin
Overuse of topical steroids may worsen the condition (steroid-induced perioral dermatitis)

Treatment

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling infection, and preventing recurrence:

1. Discontinuing Triggers:

Stop using topical corticosteroids, heavy facial creams, or irritating skincare products
Avoid fluoridated toothpaste if it worsens the rash

2. Medications:

Topical antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole or clindamycin)
Oral antibiotics for more severe or widespread cases (e.g., doxycycline or tetracycline)

3. Skin Care Recommendations:

Use gentle, non-irritating cleansers
Avoid harsh scrubbing or exfoliation
Moisturize with light, non-comedogenic products

4. Lifestyle Measures:

Avoid excessive sun exposure or wear broad-spectrum sunscreen
Manage stress, which may trigger flare-ups
Follow up with a dermatologist for recurrent or severe cases

Piles

What are Piles?

Piles, also known as Hemorrhoids, is a condition in which the veins around the anus become swollen.
These swollen veins appear like lumps or warts, and may cause –
Pain
Itching
Burning sensation
And sometimes bleeding

In mild cases, piles can be treated with home remedies and medicines.
But if the problem keeps recurring or becomes severe, proper medical treatment is necessary.

Types of Piles

Internal Piles:
These are located 2–4 cm above the anal opening. This is the most common type.

External Piles:
These occur on the outer edge of the anus and can be easily seen or felt.

Symptoms of Piles

Hard and painful lump around the anus
Feeling of incomplete bowel movement even after passing stool
Fresh red blood during or after bowel movement
Itching and burning around the anus
Pain while passing stool

When Can It Become Serious?

If left untreated, piles can lead to:

Continuous bleeding and anemia
Infection
Fecal incontinence (inability to control bowel movements)
Anal fistula (an abnormal channel between the anal canal and the skin near the anus)
Strangulated hemorrhoid (when blood supply to the hemorrhoid is cut off, causing clot or infection)

Treatment of Piles at Spaks Homeopathy

At Spaks Homeopathy, piles, fissure, and fistula can be treated effectively with homeopathy.
The best part is –

Permanent cure is possible
No side effects
No surgery required

Spaks Homeopathy’s special medicines, creams, and oils help in quickly reducing pain, burning, and bleeding, and provide long-term relief by treating the root cause.

Ringworm