A INSUSTENTÁVEL LEVEZA DO TOQUE: APRENDIZAGENS EM HANSENÍASE

Abstract

Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases in human history. Considered a poor man's disease, it can lead to serious neurological complications and physical disabilities. It is characterized as infectious and is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. To make such a diagnosis in Primary Health Care (PHC), a dermatoneurological examination is performed. However, there is an assistance gap that prevents us from reaching these people more easily. In this context, Community Health Agents (CHA) bridges between the service and the community itself, as they are an integral part of the territory can be important links in breaking diagnostic delays. At the Family Health Unit (USF) Viver Bem, leprosy was diagnosed in a patient assigned to the territory and, since its late diagnosis can cause irreversible complications, it is extremely important to have a different look at skin changes, so that they are screened in the population that lives in this region, thus avoiding underdiagnosis. The present project aims to enable Community Health Agents (CHA) to suspect leprosy cases early. To achieve this goal, dialogued exhibitions and rounds of conversation will be held on the topic with the health team, addressing the possible differential diagnoses (such as ptyriasis) and ratifying the importance of looking at the patient in addition to a disease, thus understanding the person as a whole. In addition, to strengthen learning about leprosy, folders will be delivered with relevant information such as etiology, transmission, signs / symptoms, complications and treatment.