After suffering from a severe rash all over his body, a man in his 20s went to the doctor to seek treatment. The unsightly rash stumped a dermatologist, who could not provide him with a diagnosis. But when his skin sample was sent to a lab to undergo testing, it was revealed that he actually had a form of leprosy. The man’s condition is quite rare, as leprosy is widely considered to be a ‘medieval disease’.

Also known as Hansen’s disease, leprosy is a condition brought on by bacteria emanating from the nose and mouth. Leprosy dates back to biblical times, and medieval lepers were often considered outcasts by society due to their unsightly exterior. Thanks to modern medicine, leprosy is virtually non-existent in most parts of the world, but it is still considered an epidemic in certain parts of the world.

If left untreated, leprosy can cause extreme harm in the form of nerve damage, blindness, and even death. Contracting leprosy in the U.S. in current times is incredibly rare

He also experienced numbness and tingling in parts of his body for nearly three months before understanding the severity of his condition.

In the case of the unidentified man from Texas, he received a series of antibiotics for his rash and saw an improvement within two months. He also had to have surgery on his hands with regular occupational therapy in order to regain movement.