Management of leprosy is aimed at stopping infection and minimising potential physical deformities. Antibiotics used first-line to eliminate organisms include dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine. Varying regimens with multidrug therapy (MDT) are used depending on the type of leprosy and the severity of infection. This may be a combination of two or three antibiotics given over varying lengths of time (up to years). Other antibiotics include minocycline, ofloxacin and clarithromycin.
Oral corticosteroids and thalidomide are helpful in preventing nerve damage by reducing swelling. Long courses are necessary to decrease severity of deformities and disabilities.
Surgery may sometimes be used to drain abscesses to restore nerve function, reconstruct collapsed nose, or to improve function or appearance of affected areas.