This title of the post is from a recent interview from the actor who plays Mr. Eko.

Did anyone notice the funky growth on Mr. Ekos hands that looked like poison Ivy or Oak? Do you think Eko has the sickness? Is the "sickness" valid, or all those doors marked "quarantine" to keep away the inquisitive?

I thought it looked more like a blood/sand compound.

Quarantine is written on the inside of the bunker and hatch which would mean, everything "outside" is off limits. Pretty messed up man.

I thought it looked more like a blood/sand compound.

So did I

Yeah, they made a point of showing his hands which looked like they had been attacked by pirrahna or something that had nibbled his hands and forearms up. I also noticed that he had a rag tied around his upper left arm later in the episode and one on his right hand. His other hand looked ok. But what does "funky" mean? Really, that could mean anything. He was definately traumatized by what he did/saw. So much so that he didn't speak, made (probably) the first weapon, and got all shirtless.

How about this? He's from some tribe somewhere, and he's going to be getting back to his roots - face paint, dress, etc. Could work.

he took off his shirt because it was covered in blood.

I thought it looked more like a blood/sand compound.

That's what I think too. At first I thought it looked like little blister type sores but then I thought it was just wet clumps of sand from the blood....