As soil particles cannot penetrate healthy and intact skin, entry points for microbes and particulate matter are the deep cracks and fissures found universally in the very dry skin of the feet of agricultural workers.
The primary means of prevention is very simple – maintaining the skin barrier through the use of enclosed footwear and regular washing of the foot
The primary means of prevention is very simple – maintaining the skin barrier function through the use of enclosed footwear and regular washing of the foot
Podoconiosis is a disease caused by contact with specific soil types
This is a consequence of repeated, long-term contact of bare feet with the soil and a lack of even basic skin care.
Preventing Podo is a problem for most
As there is no awareness of the importance of these simple steps.
In addition, most do not have the means to buy footwear and have no easy access to clean water for washing.
Podoconiosis is a disease caused by contact with specific soil types
As soil particles cannot penetrate healthy and intact skin, entry points for microbes and particulate matter are the deep cracks and fissures found universally in the very dry skin of the feet of agricultural workers.
This is a consequence of repeated, long-term contact of bare feet with the soil and a lack of even basic skin care.
Preventing Podo is a problem for most
As there is no awareness of the importance of these simple steps.
In addition, most do not have the means to buy footwear and have no easy access to clean water for washing.
The good news is that simple, low-cost materials and procedures can produce remarkable improvement
The main components of this treatment include:
Thorough daily washing of the lower legs and feet with water and soap to remove microbes / soil. A cap-full of bleach is added to the wash water to help reduce microbial load.
After washing, a basic moisturiser (petroleum jelly) is massaged into the skin (and, if infection is present, Whitfield Ointment is applied). This helps keep the skin surface hydrated to reduce and prevent cracking / splitting.
It really is this simple
The humbling truth about treating Podo is that it does not need expensive drugs and expert intervention.
The disease is prevented and treated with shoes, water, soap and petroleum jelly.
The good news is that simple, low-cost materials and procedures can produce remarkable improvement
The main components of this treatment include:
Thorough daily washing of the lower legs and feet with water and soap to remove microbes / soil. A cap-full of bleach is added to the wash water to help reduce microbial load.
After washing, a basic moisturiser (petroleum jelly) is massaged into the skin (and, if infection is present, Whitfield Ointment is applied). This helps keep the skin surface hydrated to reduce and prevent cracking / splitting.
It really is this simple
The humbling truth about treating Podo is that it does not need expensive drugs and expert intervention.
The disease is prevented and treated with shoes, water, soap and petroleum jelly.
Keeping the foot enclosed after washing is extremely important
None of the above will be of any use, however, if enclosed shoes are not worn to prevent further contact with the soil.
It is virtually impossible to find ordinary shoes to fit the significantly enlarged and irregular feet of those with Podoconiosis, so custom footwear is normally required.
Finally, compliance with all elements of treatment is essential to ensure optimal healing
Education and support through skilled trainers and mentors (ideally former sufferers) are, therefore, an important part of a successful treatment program.
Keeping the foot enclosed after washing is extremely important
None of the above will be of any use, however, if enclosed shoes are not worn to prevent further contact with the soil.
It is virtually impossible to find ordinary shoes to fit the significantly enlarged and irregular feet of those with Podoconiosis, so custom footwear is normally required.
Finally, compliance with all elements of treatment is essential to ensure optimal healing
Education and support through skilled trainers and mentors (ideally former sufferers) are, therefore, an important part of a successful treatment program.
When the above treatment programs are implemented effectively, dramatic results can be obtained
In most, swelling and infection are reduced dramatically over the course of several months.
While lymphatic function remains compromised to some degree, if skin barrier health is maintained through basic hygiene and use of footwear, this cure should last a life-time.
See below the radical transformation in body and soul of one of our patients, and now passionate change-agent, Mekdes.
When the above treatment programs are implemented effectively, dramatic results can be obtained
In most, swelling and infection are reduced dramatically over the course of several months.
While lymphatic function remains compromised to some degree, if skin barrier health is maintained through basic hygiene and use of footwear, this cure should last a life-time.
See below the radical transformation in body and soul of one of our patients, and now passionate change-agent, Mekdes.
The effect on the individual simply cannot be overstated
Once shunned and feared, most can return to families and loved ones, re-commence work and take part once more in the life of the community.
The effect on the individual simply cannot be overstated
Once shunned and feared, most can return to families and loved ones, re-commence work and take part once more in the life of the community.