Vol. 4, Issue 6, Part E (2018)

Abstract
Skin diseases have plagued the world for centuries. The most common skin disease is leprosy but there are many more skin diseases present. People who have been afflicted with this disease are treated differently, by the general populace. There is a stigma attached to people suffering from leprosy. The most common mindset that accompanies this disease is that it is a curse or affliction. It has been observed that when a family member contracted a skin disease like leprosy, the others in the family may begin avoiding contact with him. Though it is advisable to maintain distance and strict hygiene, in case of a contagious infection like leprosy, but all skin diseases are not contagious. This paper attempts to trace the history of leprosy that has been passed down the centuries and the manner in which Christian missionaries and lay people responded to those infected with it.