Reactions are the main cause of nerve damage and resulting
disability in leprosy.
Reactions
are periods of inflammation caused by body's immune system
attacking the leprosy bacteria.
Inflammation
is the body's usual response to infection and its typical
features are: swelling, redness, heat, pain and loss of
function.
Because
leprosy affects skin and nerves, during reactions there is
inflammation of the skin patches and nerves. Inflammation in
the nerves can cause serious damage and disability.
