Alphos vs. Leprosy — What's the Difference?

Alphos (from Greek ἀλφός alphos "a dull white leprosy") is a form of non-contagious leprosy, formerly described by the physician Celsus under the name of vitiligo, a term now used for another skin disease. In alphos, the skin is rough, and looks as if it had drops of white on it, not much differing from morphea.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease (HD), is a long-term infection by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Infection can lead to damage of the nerves, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes.

Any disease causing dull white or silvery spots on the skin, including non-contagious forms of leprosy and psoriasis.

A chronic, mildly contagious disease of tropical and subtropical regions, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, marked by lesions of the skin and mucous membranes and damage to peripheral nerves and other organs that, if untreated, can progress to disfigurement, lack of sensation, and blindness. Also called Hansen's disease.

(medicine) An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, gradually producing nerve damage and patches of skin necrosis and historically handled by permanently quarantining its sufferers.

Similar contagious skin diseases causing light patches of scaly skin, particularly psoriasis, syphilis, vitiligo, scabies, and (biblical) the various diseases considered "tzaraath" in the Old Testament of the Bible.

(figurative) Anything considered similarly permanent, harmful, and communicable, particularly when such a thing should be handled by avoidance or isolation of its victims.

(veterenary medicine) A contagious disease causing similar effects in animals, particularly

Ellipsis of murine leprosy}} and {{en, diseases caused in rodents and cats by Mycobacterium lepraemurium.

(obsolete) mange and {{en}} in horses.

Synonym of leprosarium: a place for the housing of lepers in isolation from the rest of society.

A cutaneous disease which first appears as blebs or as reddish, shining, slightly prominent spots, with spreading edges. These are often followed by an eruption of dark or yellowish prominent nodules, frequently producing great deformity. In one variety of the disease, anæsthesia of the skin is a prominent symptom. In addition there may be wasting of the muscles, falling out of the hair and nails, and distortion of the hands and feet with destruction of the bones and joints. It is incurable, and is probably contagious.

Chronic granulomatous communicable disease occurring in tropical and subtropical regions; characterized by inflamed nodules beneath the skin and wasting of body parts; caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae