What Is Podoconiosis?

Podoconiosis is a tropical lymphedema disease that primarily affects the feet and legs of people who have prolonged barefooted contact with the soil in regions higher than 3,280.8 feet (1,000 m) above sea level. It is also known as mossy foot and more commonly, elephantiasis. People with advanced podoconiosis typically have large, swollen feet and calves, leathered and cracked skin, and varied sizes of sores and ulcers along the affected area. The regions in which most people typically have this disease are Africa, Central America, and North-west India.

The regions podoconiosis affects the most are those 3,280.8 feet (1,000 m) above sea level. Many of these areas have poorer communities that cannot afford shoes, which means they spend an extended amount of time in direct contact with the soil. Many doctors and scientists believe that certain mineral particles in red clay soils irritate the feet. It is agreed upon with almost all professionals that this is not related to any bacterial or parasitic growth and is not contagious.

There is a genetic disposition for getting podoconiosis disease. This is why in places such as Ethiopia, people who suffer from this condition are often segregated and even ostracized from the community. In fact, people with this condition are banned from marrying anyone who is unaffected.

Signs and symptoms of podoconiosis are very similar with each affected person. Typically, the first signs are itching in the foot, soon followed by a burning sensation around the feet and calves. Pains in this area may intensify during the night. There are two types of swelling that may occur. The first is soft and more fluid-like, while the second is harder and the skin is more leathery. Ulcers and sores will also normally appear.

While the condition usually happens in both legs, they are always asymmetrical. Occasionally, different types of swelling may occur in each leg. It is rare for podoconiosis to travel above the knee, but there have been cases where it reaches the groin area.

There is no real treatment for podoconiosis, especially as those who get this disease will likely continue to have prolonged bare contact with the soil. Instead, preventative measures are recommended by health professionals. Doctors generally recommend that actions be taken to provide shoes to people in the most affected regions who cannot afford them. Beyond that, regular cleaning of the feet and laying out flooring in dirt huts is also recommended. Bandaging, compressing, and elevating the legs of people who are developing podoconiosis is also recommended to alleviate some of the swelling.