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Buruli ulcer (BU) is one of the skin diseases that causes physical deformity, loss of function of the affected part, social stigmatization, and financial burden to individuals affected. Annually, an approximated 6000 cases of BU are reported worldwide especially from West Africa, Central Africa, and Asia. The aim of the study was to assess the experiences of BU patients in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana following discharge from the hospital. The study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach using snowballing sampling technique to sample 15 participants from the Greater Accra Region of Ghana who have been treated and discharged home. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews that was later transcribed and coded using qualitative content analysis. Findings from this study revealed that individuals with BU goes through several challenges during admission and after discharge including feeling of embarrassment, financially handicapped, and marital conflicts. The study concluded that BU has not been totally eradicated from the country, hence must be given the attention it deserves to help individuals cope better.

Buruli ulcer (BU) is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans and can manifest as a simple nodule or as aggressive skin ulcers leading to debilitating osteoarthritis or limb deformity. The disease is more prevalent in those living in remote rural areas, especially in children younger than 15 years. The exact mode of transmission is possibly through traumatic skin lesions contaminated by M ulcerans. IS2404 polymerase chain reaction from ulcer swabs or biopsies is a rapid method for confirmation of BU. In coendemic countries, HIV infection complicates the progression of BU, leading to rapidly spreading osteomyelitis. Treatment is principally medical, with antitubercular drugs, and surgery is utilized for complicated disease. Because of ineffective vaccination, primary prevention is the best option for control of the disease., (© The Author(s) 2015.)