Podoconiosis - non-filarial geochemical elephantiasis - a neglected tropical disease?
Podoconiosis or mossy foot is a form of non-filarial lymphedema. This geochemical elephantiasis is a disabling condition caused by the passage of microparticles of silica and aluminum silicates through the skin of people walking barefoot in areas with a high content of soil of volcanic origin. Podoconiosis is widespread in tropical Africa, Central America and North India, yet it remains a neglected and under-researched condition. The disabling effects of podoconiosis cause great hardship to patients. It adversely affects the economic (reduced productivity and absenteeism), social (marriage, education, etc.) and psychological (social stigma) well-being of those affected. Podoconiosis can be prevented; the main primary preventive measure is protective footwear. Secondary measures include a strict hygiene regimen and compression therapy, which can reverse initial lesions. Tertiary approaches include surgical management, such as shaving operations to reduce hyperplastic and verrucous elephantiasis.
Nenoff
Pietro
P
Laboratorium für medizinische Mikrobiologie, Mölbis, Germany. pietro.nenoff@gmx.de
Simon
Jan Christoph
JC
Muylowa
Grace K
GK
Davey
Gail
G
D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004604:Elephantiasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D012423:Rural Health; D014330:Tropical Medicine / Q000639:trends*