Leprosy patches

Leprosy starts by damaging the smaller nerves in the cooler parts of the body - especially in the skin and surface areas of the fingers and toes, legs, arms and face.

The first signs of leprosy are numb patches on the skin which look a slightly different colour from the person's normal skin tone.  If treated during these early stages there will be no further damage.  It can stay in the body for up to 20 years without showing symptoms.