PODOCONIOSIS
Podoconiosis is a special form of elephantiasis which affects only the feet and is believed to be caused by minerals in the red African soil. The minerals get entrance to and block the lymphatic vessels in the lower extremities of the poor bare foot walkers. The lymphatic fluid collects in the subcutaneous tissue casing chronic edema. Secondary infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue aggravate the disease, and the swelling of the subcutaneous tissue can take enormous and very disturbing proportions.
Around one million people are believed to be affected by the disease. They constitute a highly neglected group which is often socially isolated.
The treatment is very simple and cheap. It consists of daily footbath with a locally produced soap which contains leaves from a tree which is said to have germicide properties.
Followed by softening the skin with oil.
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After only a few treatment sessions there is great improvement – objectively verified by measuring the ankle circumference. The patients are extremely enthusiastic – not the least because for the first time in their life something else than the usual hopelessness is being offered.
The patients are fitted with special made protective shoes from the regional capital Nekamte, at a cost of 80 birr. However the patients who are generally poor are only charged 10 birr.
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Knowledge about treatment and prevention of the disease is spread by arranging workshops at the surrounding clinics.
Around 150 patients can attend the workshop
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Every patient has to bring a jar with 5 liters of clean water and a plastic container for the footbath.
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Information is extremely important since many people believe that the disease is caused by a curse from a Kalitdja (a witch doctor), or contagious by eating from the same dish or drinking from the same cup.
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Three such groups with around 150 patients in each are currently in action – a total of nearly 500 patients. The idea is that the patients themselves continue the treatment at home or in smaller groups, and that the knowledge will spread, and initiative will be taken by health centers, clinics and other organizations to start similar workshops.
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Extreme cases are treated by surgery (see ELEFANTIASIS OF THE LEG)