A Nigerian man, Olubiyi Jibowu, has undergone a life-changing leg amputation after a home pedicure went tragically wrong, leading to severe burns, infection, and eventual sepsis.

 

The 57-year-old, who lives in London and works as an addiction support worker, had run a bath at home, adding Himalayan salt to soak his feet. Unknown to him, the water was scalding hot. By the time he pulled his feet out, painful blisters had already formed.

 

“I initially thought, these are just blisters, they’ve peeled and they’re a bit sore,” he recalled. “I didn’t want them to get infected, so I thought Dettol would make it better. That’s what my mum used to do.”

 

 

 

Relying on traditional home remedies instead of seeking medical attention, Olubiyi began pouring Dettol over the burns. Unfortunately, the wounds worsened. The skin peeled continuously, turned black, and left him in agonizing pain.

 

Despite the damage, he kept walking three miles to work daily—unaware that his undiagnosed type 2 diabetes was masking the pain and slowing the healing process. It wasn’t until a manager at his workplace saw his foot and insisted he go home that the extent of the infection became apparent.

 

“My skin was falling off. I was in severe pain. I called my sister, and she could hear it in my voice — I needed urgent help,” he said.

 

 

 

He was taken to King’s College Hospital, where doctors immediately recognized the severity of the infection. Despite being placed on strong antibiotics and intensive care, the injury kept deteriorating. Tests revealed the onset of sepsis, a life-threatening condition that could quickly spread to his organs.

 

Doctors warned that the only way to save his life was to amputate his leg below the knee.

 

“I was in shock. I didn’t want to believe there was no plan B,” Olubiyi said. “I really thought there had to be another way.”

 

 

 

The amputation was carried out on August 8, 2023—just one month after the injury occurred. While it ended his physical pain, Olubiyi faced the emotional toll of adjusting to life with a prosthetic.

 

“The moment the amputation happened, it relieved the pain I was feeling, but I was struggling with acceptance,” he said.

 

 

 

Reflecting on the ordeal, he emphasized the importance of seeking prompt medical attention for any serious skin injury, especially for people unaware they may have underlying conditions like diabetes.

 

“If I had known I was diabetic, it would have alleviated everything I went through. Life threw me a curveball. But I’m going to be rational and positive. It’s going to be okay.”

 

 

 

Now focused on recovery, Olubiyi is raising funds for a lightweight, titanium prosthetic leg that will help him walk more comfortably and regain his independence.