About Terminology
The National Hansen's Disease Museum would
like to address terminology concerns and is
suggesting that you use the new term Hansen's
disease to describe the clinical condition of
leprosy. Some people believe that using the
term Hansen's disease is helpful in reducing
the social stigma often associated with this
disease.
The word "leper" is now considered
in medical disrepute, and it is not used at
all with those familiar with the problem. Similar
terms such as "leper colony" are also
no longer appropriate when discussing this disease
and its management.
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