Podoconiosis Disease

Podoconiosis, also referred to as non-filarial lymphedema, is a disease caused by long-term exposure to irritant soils. When walking barefoot, these irritant soils may penetrate the skin, causing inflammation, swelling, and thickening of the legs. The disease is a major health problem in rural farming communities, especially in Africa where people have limited access to shoes. Treatments include surgery, mental health support, and reduced exposure to the soil, which in Africa, is very costly, and urgent medical care is hard to find. Podoconiosis can be prevented by the use of protective footwear to prevent the soil irritants from penetrating the skin.