Effectiveness of a simple lymphoedema treatment regimen in podoconiosis management in southern ethiopia: one year follow-up.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Podoconiosis is a non-filarial elephantiasis caused by long-term barefoot exposure to volcanic soils in endemic areas. Irritant silicate particles penetrate the skin, causing a progressive, debilitating lymphoedema of the lower leg, often starting in the second decade of life. A simple patient-led treatment approach appropriate for resource poor settings has been developed, comprising (1) education on aetiology and prevention of podoconiosis, (2) foot hygiene (daily washing with soap, water and an antiseptic), (3) the regular use of emollient, (4) elevation of the limb at night, and (5) emphasis on the consistent use of shoes and socks.

Methodology/principal findings

We did a 12-month, non-comparative, longitudinal evaluation of 33 patients newly presenting to one

SUBMITTER: Sikorski C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2994920 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature