Causes and risk factors
Madura foot is caused either by a fungi-eumycetoma or a filamentous bacteria actinomycetoma. This infection is commonly seen in people of low socio economic status, labor class and in agriculturists. The causative organism enters the body through skin abrasions or wounds. Prick by thorn is also a most common mode of entry. Walking bare feet increases the risk.
Clinical presentation
The common site of affection is lower extremities, back and gluteal region. The symptoms appear gradually. A painless mass is seen at the affected site. There is continuous oozing of discharges from the mass containing grains. Initially the subcutaneous layer is affected, over time it turns deeper uptill the bones, causing destruction and loss of function. It can lead to complications like secondary bacterial infection, disability and septicemia. The infection can also spread to the entire body.
Investigations
Diagnosis is confirmed on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and on examining the skin lesion. Cultures of discharges and skin biopsy is diagnostic. Other investigations like serological tests, routine blood test can also be advised. In advance cases X-ray and CT scan can also be done.
Treatment
If the infection is caused due to bacteria then administration of antibiotics is done. In cases of fungal infection anti fungal medications along with surgery is necessary. However the treatment with medication is not satisfactory. In severe destructed cases amputation is the only line of treatment. The only preventive measure is to avoid walking barefoot in endemic areas.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
