Lepra, also known as leprosy, is a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, mucous membranes, and peripheral nerves. Synonyms for the word lepra include Hansen's disease, named after the Norwegian physician who discovered its bacterial cause in 1873. Other synonyms for lepra include elephantiasis graecorum and bibasilar lepromatous pneumonia. The disease is characterized by the disfiguring skin lesions, peripheral nerve involvement, and weakness of the limbs. Although leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy, the stigma attached to the disease persists. Awareness campaigns and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in promoting the social inclusion of people affected by lepra.