What is Mycetoma? 🌾🦠
Mycetoma is a chronic, progressively destructive infection of the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and sometimes bones. It is caused by either:
- Fungi (called eumycetoma)
- Bacteria (called actinomycetoma)
How Does Mycetoma Occur?
- Usually enters the body through a skin injury such as a thorn prick, cut, or scrape, often on the feet or hands
- Common in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in rural agricultural areas 🌿👣
Symptoms
- Swelling and formation of painless or sometimes painful lumps under the skin
- Multiple draining sinuses or pores that release granules (tiny grains of infected material)
- Gradual destruction of surrounding tissues, which can cause deformities if untreated
- Commonly affects the foot, often called “Madura foot“
Diagnosis
- Clinical examination of characteristic swelling and sinus tracts
- Microscopic examination and culture of discharged granules to identify the causative organism
- Imaging (X-rays, MRI) to assess extent of tissue and bone involvement
Treatment
- Eumycetoma (fungal): Long-term antifungal therapy (e.g., itraconazole)
- Actinomycetoma (bacterial): Long-term antibiotic therapy (e.g., sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim)
- Surgery may be needed in severe cases to remove infected tissue
Prevention
- Wear protective footwear and gloves to avoid skin injuries
- Prompt wound care and hygiene in rural or agricultural work environments