Dimple Kapadia once suffered from leprosy: ‘I had it on my elbow…’; know more about the causes and treatment

That Dimple Kapadia was only a teenager when she made her acting debut opposite the late actor Rishi Kapoor in Bobby in 1973 is a well-known fact. But what many don’t know is that she was suffering from leprosy at that time. Opening up about the same recently, the actor disclosed that her father, Chunnibhai Kapadia, used to socialise with several prominent figures in the film industry and a “famous director”, who was “like a family friend”, said that he would get her “ostracised from school”. “I was suffering from leprosy at that time. I was about 12 years old. I had it on my elbow. So this man turned around and said, ‘I’ll see that you get ostracised from school’. That was the first time I heard that word. I didn’t even know what that meant,” she recalled in a conversation with FICCI Flo Jaipur Chapter.

What is leprosy and why does it occur?

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. “Leprosy is known to occur at all ages ranging from early childhood to old age. Leprosy is curable and treatment during early stages can prevent disability,” it reads.

WHO also notes that leprosy is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contact with untreated cases.

Symptoms of leprosy include discoloured patches of skin, numbness in affected areas, muscle weakness, and enlarged nerves (Source: Freepik)

Dr Haricharan G, senior consultant physician, HoD internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad said leprosy occurs due to prolonged close contact with an infected person, as the bacteria spreads through respiratory droplets. “Genetic susceptibility also plays a role in acquiring the disease,” said Dr Haricharan G.

Symptoms

Symptoms of leprosy, according to Dr Haricharan, include discoloured patches of skin, numbness in affected areas, muscle weakness, and enlarged nerves. “In severe cases, it can lead to deformities, particularly in the hands, feet, and face, and cause blindness. Diagnosis is often based on clinical signs and confirmed through skin biopsy and laboratory tests,” said Dr Haricharan.

Treatment and prevention

According to Dr Haricharan, treatment involves multidrug therapy (MDT), which includes antibiotics such as dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine, administered over six months to a year or longer, depending on the severity. “Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent disability and transmission,” he urged.

Prevention of leprosy focuses on early detection and treatment of affected individuals to break the chain of transmission. “Close contacts of leprosy patients are monitored and may receive preventive antibiotics. Improved living conditions and health education also contribute to reducing the spread of the disease. Leprosy is curable, and with timely treatment, most patients can lead normal lives,” said Dr Haricharan.

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