Mycobacterium leprae is responsible for the disease. This bacterium grows very slowly and mainly affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. With early diagnosis and treatment, many leprosy symptoms and complications can be minimized or avoided.

Treatment of leprosy generally depends on the type of the disease.  Leprosy can be cured but it is essential to take the full course of medication. Today, the disease can generally be cured with antibiotics. In 1981, the WHO recommended the use of a combination of three antibiotics to treat leprosy which takes six months to a year or more. These three antibiotics are Dapsone, Rifampin and Clofazimine.

Since 1995, the WHO has provided these drugs free of charge to all leprosy patients worldwide. Other antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, and minocycline, are also used to treat leprosy. During the course of treatment, the body may react to the dead bacteria with pain and swelling in the skin and nerves. But this can be treated with pain medication.

Multidrug therapy (MDT) is common treatment of the leprosy removal strategy as it cures patients and decreases the infection. MDT also prevents disabilities through early treatment.

Reconstructive surgery is an important part of medical treatment for many leprosy patients. There are surgical procedures to correct clawed hands, reconstruction of nose and eye operation to avoid the harmful effects of leprosy. Surgery also makes a patient appear normal again without any disfigurement.