I recently came across some markings on the belly of a mature lady from Edo state and upon questioning her and a few of my Edo friends, I learnt that it was to drain of ‘bad blood’ caused by a killer disease that affects infants. She was apparently given the marks as a kid. I have forgotten the name they gave the illness but I had a couple of questions that my friends failed to answer. Why is this disease predominant in that part of the country? What is the technical nomenclature for the disease? What other cures are out there for such an infant killer of a disease? I need some serious orientation here folks (and I guess my Edo friends too need some). Please enlighten a bro!

The sickness is called 'Ude' (spleen sickness). Like your friends told you, the markings is to remove bad blood. It is not a common disease. I don't know what causes it, Its can be treated medically by doctors. You don't have to necessarily mark the tummy. Most tribes don't mark. However some people believes that marking it makes it heals faster. Those who mark are the Esan and few of the benin.

Thanks a lot! You have reduced my level of ignorance by a tad.

Agbgift: The sickness is called 'Ude' (spleen sickness). Like your friends told you, the markings is to remove bad blood. It is not a common disease. I don't know what causes it, Its can be treated medically by doctors. You don't have to necessarily mark the tummy. Most tribes don't mark. However some people believes that marking it makes it heals faster. Those who mark are the Esan and few of the benin.

Agbgift:
The sickness is called 'Ude' (spleen sickness). Like your friends told you, the markings is to remove bad blood. It is not a common disease. I don't know what causes it, Its can be treated medically by doctors. You don't have to necessarily mark the tummy. Most tribes don't mark. However some people believes that marking it makes it heals faster. Those who mark are the Esan and few of the benin.

I know post is old. But the most likely cause is malaria. Spleen may become enlarged (splenomegaly) trying to mop up red blood cells broken down by malaria parasites/plasmodium.

Some also report "ude" as affecting both sides/flanks. This is likely to be due to both spleen & liver enlargement called hepatosplenomegaly.
Aside malaria, other viral/parasitic infections, liver cirrhosis, leukaemia, chemotherapy drugs, etc. In sickle cell disease it can be potentially dangerous as the spleen sequesters red blood cells.

I was just discussing this "ude" with someone earlier today. Apparently some people still believe "bleeding bad blood" away is the cure. Problem is bleeding someone that is already anaemic due to malaria or chronic disease is a very bad idea indeed.

Its called ude but most people don't mark again science has made it easier unlike when we were born then.... I also have the mark

AreaFada2:


I know post is old. But the most likely cause is malaria. Spleen may become enlarged (splenomegaly) trying to mop up red blood cells broken down by malaria parasites/plasmodium.

Some also report "ude" as affecting both sides/flanks. This is likely to be due to both spleen & liver enlargement called hepatosplenomegaly.
Aside malaria, other viral/parasitic infections, liver cirrhosis, leukaemia, chemotherapy drugs, etc. In sickle cell disease it can be potentially dangerous as the spleen sequesters red blood cells.

I was just discussing this "ude" with someone earlier today. Apparently some people still believe "bleeding bad blood" away is the cure. Problem is bleeding someone that is already anaemic due to malaria or chronic disease is a very bad idea indeed.

I hope the mark is not some form of Charm or initiation!
Cuz , I have a friend who has it and I'm scared of it.

Lol. No it's not a charm cause I also have the mark

AreaFada2:


I know post is old. But the most likely cause is malaria. Spleen may become enlarged (splenomegaly) trying to mop up red blood cells broken down by malaria parasites/plasmodium.

Some also report "ude" as affecting both sides/flanks. This is likely to be due to both spleen & liver enlargement called hepatosplenomegaly.
Aside malaria, other viral/parasitic infections, liver cirrhosis, leukaemia, chemotherapy drugs, etc. In sickle cell disease it can be potentially dangerous as the spleen sequesters red blood cells.

I was just discussing this "ude" with someone earlier today. Apparently some people still believe "bleeding bad blood" away is the cure. Problem is bleeding someone that is already anaemic due to malaria or chronic disease is a very bad idea indeed.

The Boss Himself 🙌🏽