Podoconiosis (Silica-Related Non-Filarial Elephantiasis)

 

Clinical features:

(1) It affects people walking and working barefoot most of the time.

(2) It requires the presence of soil derived from alkalic (alkaline) volcanic rock that is rich in silica.

(3) It tends to occur in tropical countries in areas with a high altitude and high rainfall.

(4) A patient starts to develop edema of the lower legs during childhood or early adolescence.

(5) The edema is progressive and becomes bilateral and asymmetrical.

(6) The patient has no evidence of microfilariasis. Affected people tend to live at an altitude where filariasis is not transmitted.

(7) Over time the patient may become completely disabled.

 

Mechanism: Silica gets across the skin and reaches the lymphatics. It causes fibrosis which results in lymphatic obstruction.

 

Early intervention can significantly improve outcome. It can be prevented by proper foot hygiene and wearing some form of footwear.