ISSN: 2574-7800
Authors: Namisato M*, Shirai T, Yana Y and Ogawa H
Japan has long had a Leprosy Prevention Law. The experience of compulsory segregation often damaged patients’ selfesteem, causing most to break off their family relations. Even after their disease was cured, individuals with a history of leprosy were made to live in a restricted society. When sick, these individuals often don’t want to visit a clinic because they fear disclosure of their leprous history. We set up our clinic to serve as a gateway to medical resources for these individuals, through collaboration with medical social workers. We have several medical specialists, one of whom has many years of experience in working with patients with leprosy. Our clinic actively manages 54 patients, with 2 deaths to date. The average age of the 52 living patients is 78.4 (62–99) years old. Majority of the patients had lepromatous leprosy (LL), followed by borderline leprosy. The disability rates for upper- and lower-extremities and lateral part of the eyes are very high. Patient’s biggest complaints tend to focus on problems caused by their anesthetic skin and physical deformities. Other concerns center around the possibility of leprosy relapses and refractory neuralgia. Our patients exhibit various diseases that are found in elderly people. Three cases presented with active signs of leprosy, and one with relapsed LL. We should always consider the possibility of leprosy recurrence. Most of our patients are now entering the final stages of their lives. Thus, our focus should be on creating better surroundings for these individuals while welcoming them back into the community and removing their fears of societal rejection. The cooperation of medical institute where we refer our patients has accelerated our activities. In addition, we appreciate the cooperation and understanding we have received from the community.
Keywords: Leprosy; Social integration; Community-based clinic
