DISEASE OVERVIEW

Elephantiasis is a condition characterized by gross enlargement of an area of the body, especially the limbs. Other areas commonly affected include the external genitals. Elephantiasis is caused by obstruction of the lymphatic system, which results in the accumulation of a fluid called lymph in the affected areas.  Elephantiasis is a painful and profoundly disfiguring disease, caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea that are transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitos. Mosquito-transmitted larvae are deposited on the skin from where they can enter the body. The larvae then migrate to the lymphatic vessels where they develop into adult worms, thus continuing a cycle of transmission. The affected skin can thicken and harden to look something like an elephant’s skin.

It’s more common in tropical or subtropical areas. In endemic countries, lymphatic filariasis has a major social and economic impact. causing temporary or permanent disability. Lymphatic filariasis affects over 120 million people in 72 countries throughout the tropics and sub-tropics of Asia, Africa, the Western Pacific, and parts of the Caribbean and South America.

CAUSES

Elephantiasis is caused by parasitic worms that are spread by mosquitoes. It starts when mosquitoes infected with the roundworm larvae bite you. The tiny larvae survive in your bloodstream and grow. They finish maturing in your lymph system. They can live there for years and cause a lot of damage to your lymph system.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Mild Edema
• Huge swelling
• pain in affected swollen area.
• Thickened, nonelastic saggy skin
• chills and fever

Elephantiasis may also affect the male and female external genital organs. In a male, there may be enlargement of the scrotum, and the penis may be retracted under skin which has become thickened, nonelastic, hot and painful. The spermatic cords may thicken. Affected individuals may experience pain and a burning sensation.

DIAGNOSIS

A detailed patient history and identification of characteristic symptoms. They also will have blood tests done to see if roundworms are in your bloodstream. These tests need to be done at night, because that’s when these parasites are active.

TREATMENT

Treatment of elephantiasis always involves treating the underlying condition. Lymphatic filariasis is a chronic lymphedema, which should be treated in the early stages with good compression therapy and garments to prevent elephantiasis.

There are some things you can do on your own to ease them:

• Wash and dry the swollen areas daily.
• Use moisturizers.
• Check for wounds and use medicated cream on any sore spots.
• Exercise, and walk when possible.
• If your arms or legs are swollen, keep them elevated when you’re lying down or seated.

However, in the majority cases, medical therapy alone is not enough and surgery may be necessary as a last option. In cases where the male genitals have been affected, reconstructive surgery on the penis and scrotum has been successful. Anti-streptococcal antibiotics are used to relieve secondary infection. Lymphatic tissue may be removed by surgery or radiation therapy.

LIVING WITH ELEPHANTIASIS

Elephantiasis can be disabling. Sometimes it’s hard to move the affected body parts, which means it could be difficult to work. It might even be hard to get around in your home.

You might also worry about how your condition looks to other people. This can cause anxiety and depression. If you have elephantiasis and want information about support groups, ask your doctor. You can also go online to find resources that might help.