Skin Infection- ‘Ettalo’ is not caused by witchcraft
Nov 22, 2009
WHEN you mention the word ettalo, most people will rush to say you have been bewitched. Ettalo is an unexplained painful swelling usually on the limbs. Traditionally, people have treated the infection with herbs, claiming it is a result of witchcraft.
By Halima Shaban
WHEN you mention the word ettalo, most people will rush to say you have been bewitched. Ettalo is an unexplained painful swelling usually on the limbs. Traditionally, people have treated the infection with herbs, claiming it is a result of witchcraft.
Out of the 20 people interviewed, 18 said ettalo is caused by witchcraft.
However, Dr Charles Mukisa of Mulago Hospital, says ettalo is an infection medically referred to as cellulitis and has nothing to do with witchcraft.
“Cellulitis means an infection of the skin and the tissues beneath it,†he says.
Mukisa says the skin is a good barrier against infection and a cut caused by a skin ulcer, injection, athlete’s foot or scratch may allow bacteria to get into the body, hence the infection.
“We all have bacteria on our skin, but this normally causes no problem. However, if the skin is damaged or broken in some way, the bacteria can get in. It then multiplies and spreads under the skin surface, causing infection.â€
Cellulitis is common and can affect anyone. A cut or scratch, is the main root cause, although the infection can sometimes occur even without a break in the skin.
Symptoms
A hot, red, swollen and painful area of the skin and the deeper tissues.
The person gets a fever and may shiver. This is caused by the release of toxins from the bacteria.
There may be oozing of pus and fluid at the puncture site, but the infection is usually more diffuse in the tissues.
Any area of the skin can be affected, but the leg is the most common site.
Mukisa says infection can range from mild (where a small part is affected, to serious, where the infection spreads to a large area of skin).
“Without treatment, a battle is fought between the immune system and the invading bacteria,†he says.
Myths and misconceptions commonly associated with witchcraft and the belief that when a patient is injected, he dies, may lead to a life-threatening condition.
“Often, the body would fight off the bacteria and the infection would clear. However, spreading cellulitis can be worrying. Therefore, treatment is usually advised as soon as the infection is diagnosed to stop it from spreading.â€
Mukisa says cellulitis can be prevented by being careful about wounds and breaks on the skin.
“If you cut, scratch or break your skin in some way, make sure the wound is cleaned and treated with an antiseptic. It should also be dressed and covered with a plaster.
If the skin around the wound becomes red and sore, get medical advice as soon as possible.â€
TREATMENT
Dr Mukisa says a course of antibiotic tablets will usually clear cellulitis. Symptoms should ease once you start treatment. However, there may be an initial increase in redness when treatment is started before it starts to fade.
Mukisa says some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, a change in antibiotics may be needed if the infection does not improve with the first dose.
“If you have cellulitis of the leg, keep your foot raised higher than your hip. This prevents excess swelling and eases pain.â€
WHEN you mention the word ettalo, most people will rush to say you have been bewitched. Ettalo is an unexplained painful swelling usually on the limbs. Traditionally, people have treated the infection with herbs, claiming it is a result of witchcraft.
Out of the 20 people interviewed, 18 said ettalo is caused by witchcraft.
However, Dr Charles Mukisa of Mulago Hospital, says ettalo is an infection medically referred to as cellulitis and has nothing to do with witchcraft.
“Cellulitis means an infection of the skin and the tissues beneath it,†he says.
Mukisa says the skin is a good barrier against infection and a cut caused by a skin ulcer, injection, athlete’s foot or scratch may allow bacteria to get into the body, hence the infection.
“We all have bacteria on our skin, but this normally causes no problem. However, if the skin is damaged or broken in some way, the bacteria can get in. It then multiplies and spreads under the skin surface, causing infection.â€
Cellulitis is common and can affect anyone. A cut or scratch, is the main root cause, although the infection can sometimes occur even without a break in the skin.
Symptoms
A hot, red, swollen and painful area of the skin and the deeper tissues.
The person gets a fever and may shiver. This is caused by the release of toxins from the bacteria.
There may be oozing of pus and fluid at the puncture site, but the infection is usually more diffuse in the tissues.
Any area of the skin can be affected, but the leg is the most common site.
Mukisa says infection can range from mild (where a small part is affected, to serious, where the infection spreads to a large area of skin).
“Without treatment, a battle is fought between the immune system and the invading bacteria,†he says.
Myths and misconceptions commonly associated with witchcraft and the belief that when a patient is injected, he dies, may lead to a life-threatening condition.
“Often, the body would fight off the bacteria and the infection would clear. However, spreading cellulitis can be worrying. Therefore, treatment is usually advised as soon as the infection is diagnosed to stop it from spreading.â€
Mukisa says cellulitis can be prevented by being careful about wounds and breaks on the skin.
“If you cut, scratch or break your skin in some way, make sure the wound is cleaned and treated with an antiseptic. It should also be dressed and covered with a plaster.
If the skin around the wound becomes red and sore, get medical advice as soon as possible.â€
TREATMENT
Dr Mukisa says a course of antibiotic tablets will usually clear cellulitis. Symptoms should ease once you start treatment. However, there may be an initial increase in redness when treatment is started before it starts to fade.
Mukisa says some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, a change in antibiotics may be needed if the infection does not improve with the first dose.
“If you have cellulitis of the leg, keep your foot raised higher than your hip. This prevents excess swelling and eases pain.â€