A 57-year-old Nigerian man based in London has undergone a leg amputation after a home pedicure resulted in severe burns, infection, and life-threatening complications. The incident has raised serious concerns about self-treatment, especially among individuals with undiagnosed health conditions.
Olubiyi Jibowu had prepared a foot soak using Himalayan salt but failed to realise the water was scalding hot. After immersing his feet, he suffered serious burns and blisters on both soles. Rather than seeking immediate medical attention, he opted to treat the burns at home using Dettol, based on a remedy he recalled from childhood.
Over the following days, his condition deteriorated rapidly. The skin on his feet peeled continuously, the wounds deepened, and he eventually noticed that parts of the tissue were turning black. In some areas, fragments of bone became visible. At the time, Olubiyi was unaware that he had type 2 diabetes—a condition that dulled his pain response and significantly impaired his body’s ability to heal.
Despite the severity of his injuries, he continued to walk over three miles to work daily. The wound eventually became septic, and his manager insisted he seek urgent medical attention when skin began falling off his foot. By the time he arrived at the hospital, doctors determined that the infection had spread too far to be reversed through medication alone.
After weeks of hospital care and failed attempts to control the infection, doctors informed him that amputation was the only option to save his life. On August 8, 2023, his left leg was amputated below the knee.
Although the procedure brought an end to his physical suffering, it marked the beginning of a new struggle. Olubiyi experienced phantom limb syndrome and had difficulty adjusting to a basic, heavy prosthetic limb. He has since launched a fundraising campaign to acquire a titanium prosthesis, which would allow him greater mobility and independence.
Reflecting on his experience, he expressed deep regret for not seeking medical attention sooner. He emphasized that knowing his diabetic status earlier—and getting professional treatment at the first sign of injury—could have prevented the outcome. He now urges others, especially those with open wounds or underlying health conditions, to avoid self-treatment and consult medical professionals without delay.
His story serves as a stark warning about the dangers of home remedies, particularly when underlying health issues go undiagnosed. Prompt medical intervention, he said, could make the difference between recovery and irreversible loss.
