On our blog entry of 2008 April 23, we showed photos of a skin disorder which is caused by not wearing shoes. We have now correctly identified this disease. It is an infection of sand fleas called Tunga penetrans which affects the feet of those who do not wear shoes. The female flea burrows under the skin and forms a small, pea-sized cyst. When it gets mature, it causes some irritation of the skin. The french word for it is "chique".
4 comments:
Is there any treatment for it?
Yes, the parasites need to be mechanically removed, one at a time and then further infection needs to be prevented by the wearing of shoes. I don't know if you remember or not, but Russell and I have both had Tunga penetrans or 'jiggers' while we lived in Rwanda. The Rwandese called them 'evunja'.
What a great way to help these children. I have two pairs that I can give and I have sent a message to my son's elementary school in Quispamsis, NB to see if there are others out there wanting to help. I will keep you posted.
Keep up the great work.
Kind Regards
Lesley
Thanks Lesley. Let us know if you need help getting them to us. I will help out with shipping.
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