Practices for self-care in Hansen's disease: face, hands and feet

To analyze the self-care practices on the face, hands and feet carried out by people affected by Hansen's disease. A qualitative study, carried out in reference units for Hansen's disease in Pernambuco, between May 2014 and April 2015, with 24 people. Data was collected through the semi-structured interview and content analysis was carried out. Two categories emerged: Knowledge and execution of self-care practices in Leprosy and Singularities and challenges for self-care. The study found that respondents are familiar with information about face, hand and foot care, but report difficulties such as low income to acquire material for self-care, lack of time, and some lack of interest. Most of them already presented a degree of incapacity. The training of professionals who work on the empowerment of people facing the disease, guidelines on prevention of disabilities and access to inputs for carrying out self-care are necessary.