Podoconiosis

Podoconiosis
Other namesNonfilarial elephantiasis
Bilateral lower extremity swelling and "mossy" hyperkeratotic papillomata characteristic of podoconiosis
SpecialtyToxicology

Podoconiosis, also known as nonfilarial elephantiasis,[1] is a disease of the lymphatic vessels of the lower extremities that is caused by chronic exposure to irritant soils. It is the second most common cause of tropical lymphedema after lymphatic filariasis,[2] and it is characterized by prominent swelling of the lower extremities, which leads to disfigurement and disability. Methods of prevention include wearing shoes and using floor coverings. Mainstays of treatment include daily foot hygiene, compression bandaging, and when warranted, surgery of overlying nodules.

  1. ^ "Podoconiosis: endemic non-filarial elephantiasis". World Health Organization. Archived from the original on April 28, 2016. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  2. ^ Molyneux DH (March 2012). "Tropical lymphedemas--control and prevention" (PDF). The New England Journal of Medicine. 366 (13): 1169–71. doi:10.1056/NEJMp1202011. PMID 22455411.