KUALA LUMPUR: Patients who suffer from gout are being advised against removing the uric acid fluid from tophi, which are lumps that form under the skin, on their own. Doing so can increase the risk of a life-threatening bacterial infection.
Dr Diyana Ahmad, a general practitioner at Syifa Clinic, explained that actions like making incisions or puncturing joint nodules to release uric acid fluid, sometimes done by patients without medical clearance, are very dangerous.
“This action can carry the risk of infection, and joint infections are particularly dangerous because surgery may be required,” she said during a TV show appearance on Wednesday (Jan 3).
Dr Diyana emphasized that medical practitioners typically perform a surgical procedure to remove tophi, especially if they are infected, but it is done safely, cleanly, and following the right treatment procedures.
For gout patients who wish to reduce the size of the nodule, Dr Diyana recommends consulting a doctor first to receive proper treatment in order to keep the uric acid level in the blood below 300 micromoles.
She further explained that gout is a result of excessive uric acid build-up in the body, leading to swelling in joints like fingers, toes, and knees, and is partly influenced by dietary factors.
As a preventive measure against chronic diseases, including gout, Dr Diyana suggested maintaining a healthy lifestyle, following a balanced diet, undergoing preventive health check-ups, maintaining an ideal body weight, and abstaining from smoking. – Bernama
