Case Study

By:
Sadie Bannister
Anita Ezzati
Teresa Silvestre
Jasmin Garcia
Arianna Grow

History
Tyrone Smith is a traveling photographer for
educational books. About four years ago, Tyrone
traveled to India to take pictures of the natives
for a National Geographic article. He came in
contact with many people.
Mr. Smith came to the doctors office with
complaints.

WHY IS KNOWING THAT

HE TRAVELS OFTEN AN
IMPORTANT PIECE OF
INFORMATION

Signs and Symptoms

Tyrone complained about:
Thick, stiff, dry skin
Severe pain
Numbness on affected areas of the skin
Muscle weakness or paralysis
Eye problems
A stuffy nose
Skin lesions

Medical Doctors
Tyrone first went to his primary doctor. His
doctor then sent him home, telling him it was
a simple rash and to apply hydrocortisone
cream. A week later Tyrone went back to his
doctor because the cream had no effect.
Tyrone was then referred to a dermatologist.

COULD TYRONE HAVE A

SIMPLE ALLERGY TO
CERTAIN SUBSTANCES

Evaluation

Age: 32
Weight: 175 lbs
Eyesight: R: 20/40 L: 20/50
Strength: Weak in major joints-knees,
elbows, shoulders, wrists.
Skin: Extra dry and flakey

Tests
After taking the evaluation, Tyrones
dermatologist had him take a couple of tests:
Allergy test
Spleen and Liver test
Blood sample
Skin biopsy

Results
Allergy test: No allergies to any foods,
animals, medication, or atmospheres.
Spleen and Liver test: Negative
Blood sample: No virus in blood, nor
irregular bacteria.
Skin biopsy: Abnormal cells and bacteria
found.

WHAT ILLNESS DO YOU

THINK THIS IS

Diagnosis/Differential
Due to the symptoms Tyrone had, the tests
taken, and the skin biopsy, it was established
that Tyrone has leprosy. The dermatologist
suspected leprosy, but the blood work proved
his theory. Leprosy is a contagious disease,
often painful, that may cause skin and nerve
damage.

Treatment/Procedure
Tyrone Smiths dermatologist then
prescribed for him to take:
Anti-inflammatory drugs - they are used to
control swelling related to leprosy. This may
include steroids, such as prednisone.
Thalidomide

Rehabilitation
Tyrone should be revived back to a normal lifestyle as
soon as possible. Firstly, physical rehabilitation helps
people with their normal daily activities. Some methods
are physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The aim is to
help with the physical demands of daily life. There is also
socio-economic rehabilitation, which seeks to help people
rebuild their lives.

Illness
Also known as Hansen's disease, leprosy is a contagious
disease that affects the skin, mucous membranes, and
nerves. It causes discoloration and lumps on the skin and,
in severe cases, disfigurement and deformities.
Its caused by a slow-growing type of bacteria called
Mycobacterium leprae.

Resource page
http://www.webmd.com/
http://www.ilep.org.uk/
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/librar
y/at-a-glance/allergy-testing.aspx
http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/leprosy-pro