PODO

Podoconiosis (podo) is a devastating and disfiguring disease caused when bare feet are exposed to volcanic soil. It affects millions of people in more than 15 countries, yet is preventable and treatable with simple washing and proper footwear. If farm workers are educated, podo can be eliminated in our lifetime.

Footwork, The International Podoconiosis Initiative
podo.org

Podoconiosis (or simply ‘podo’) is a form of elephantiasis or swelling of the lower leg triggered by prolonged exposure to irritant minerals in red clay soils. There is no infectious or contagious agent: no parasite, no bacterium, no virus is involved. It was classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease by the World Health Organization in 2011.

An estimated 4 million people in highland tropical Africa are affected with podoconiosis, and evidence suggests widespread endemicity in more than 15 countries throughout the world.

Although the disease is both preventable (by avoiding contact with irritant soil) and treatable (through simple, inexpensive foot hygiene and protection), there are as yet no government-backed assistance programs for addressing prevention and treatment of podoconiosis.

Individuals afflicted with podoconiosis suffer debilitating physical effects, including attacks when the leg becomes warm, painful and even more swollen, and are ostracised from their communities because of misconceptions about the cause of podoconiosis.

treatment

Field experience and a pilot study suggest the effectiveness of simple, inexpensive lymphoedema management (foot hygiene [washing with water and antiseptic], emollient, bandaging, exercise/massage, and socks & shoes) in reducing swelling, improving clinical appearance and quality of life for podoconiosis patients. A formal trial of this treatment is planned.

prevention

In highland volcanic areas (>1500m/5000ft), everyday foot washing and use of shoes or boots to protect feet against irritant soil is encouraged to help prevent podoconiosis.