What is podoconiosis?
Podoconiosis is a form of elephantiasis arising in barefoot subsistence farmers who are in long-term contact with irritant red clay soil of volcanic origins.
What is the cause of podoconiosis?
Podoconiosis is a chronic inflammatory, geochemical skin disease caused by prolonged exposure to irritant red clay soils derived from volcanic rocks [2] and causes bilateral asymmetrical swelling of the lower legs. Podoconiosis is a neglected disease, although currently it does not appear on the WHO list of NTDs.
Is podoconiosis an NTD?
In 2011 the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized podoconiosis as one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) under the category of ‘other tropical conditions’.
What is the difference between elephantiasis and podoconiosis?
Podoconiosis is a type of lower limb tropical elephantiasis distinct from lymphatic filariasis. Lymphatic filariasis affects all population at risk, whereas podoconiosis predominantly affects barefoot subsistence farmers in areas with red volcanic soil.
How can Podoconiosis be prevented?
Podoconiosis can be prevented, early forms of the disease can be treated, and disease progression can be controlled with simple but effective measures such as washing feet with soap and water on a regular basis and wearing protective shoes consistently [4].
What kind of disease is elephantiasis?
Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease. Infection occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes.
What is mossy foot disease?
Mossy foot is a disease that manifests itself as a massive swelling of the feet and legs. Its common name describes the appearance of the skin that becomes very rough and bumpy and changes to look like moss.
What is elephantiasis Nostras Verrucosa?
Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa (ENV) is a rare and dramatic sequela of chronic nonfilarial lymphedema. The condition is characterized by papules, verrucous lesions, enlargement, and woody fibrosis of the affected area.