Elephantiasis Treatment

Elephantiasis is a disease, which results from the obstruction of the lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic system is responsible for maintaining the fluid balance in the body, and any obstruction in the functioning of this system can manifest in swelling of the skin and tissues underneath. Elephantiasis more commonly affects areas like, lower trunk or limbs, genitals and breast and causes extreme swelling, as well as thickening of the skin of these body parts. There are basically two types of elephantiasis, lymphatic filariasis, which is caused by parasitic worms and non-filarial elephantiasis or podoconiosis, which is a non-parasitic disease. Below here is a brief account of the causes, symptoms as well as elephantiasis treatment.

Causes of Elephantiasis

As has been mentioned already, elephantiasis is of two types, lymphatic filariasis and non-filarial elephantiasis. Lymphatic filariasis is caused by parasitic worms like, Brugia malayi, Wuchereria bancrofti and B. timori. These parasitic worms are transmitted by the bites of female mosquitoes. The larvae of the worms enter the bloodstream though mosquito bites, and then invade the lymphatic system. The other type of elephantiasis, i.e. non-filarial elephantiasis is prevalent in some African nations, and is not caused by parasitic worms. It is thought to be caused by the long term exposure to certain irritants, and alkali metals like, sodium and potassium found in some soil.

Elephantiasis Symptoms

Abnormal swelling and enlargement of certain parts of the body, along with ulceration and thickening of the skin are the most common elephantiasis symptoms. Such inflammation can be due to infection and damage of the lymphatic system, as well as the response of the immune system to the parasite. In addition to these, fever and pain in the affected body parts can also be present. Sometimes, it may take several years for the infection to produce the clinical symptoms of the condition, while some people may not show any outward symptoms of the disease.

How is Elephantiasis Treated?

"Is elephantiasis curable?" is the most common query regarding the treatment of this disease. Elephantiasis treatment basically, relies on the medications, that can kill the parasite and its larvae. The most commonly used drugs are, albendazole and diethylcarbamazine. These medications have proved to be effective for killing the microfilariae, and also the adult worms. However, in the sub-Saharan Africa, albendazole is used along with ivermectin. Ivermectin is another medication that can kill the microfilariae, though its effect on the adult worms is not very clear. The most common side effects associated with this medication are, fever, myalgia and headache.

For killing the adult worms, diethylcarbamazine is regarded as a better option than ivermectin. Diethylcarbamazine has been found to considerably reduce the size of the enlarged lymph nodes. However, one can experience allergic reactions while taking this drug, for which steroid and antihistamine medications can be required. This side effect is generally, attributed to the destruction of the parasite, as the dying parasitic worms have been found to release certain chemicals, which can produce the allergic reaction. Along with medications, regular cleaning of the affected area can also help to a great extent in controlling the symptoms of elephantiasis. This is probably due to the fact that many times, secondary skin infections can play a very important role in aggravating the symptoms of elephantiasis. So, daily cleaning can help to prevent such secondary infections. Antibiotics such as doxycycline has also shown some promising results for treating elephantiasis.

The treatment for non-filarial elephantiasis include, wearing shoes that can help to prevent further exposure to the irritants, and wearing elastic bandage. Elastic stocking can also help to manage the swelling and inflammation caused by elephantiasis. Physicians often suggest cleaning the affected area with soap and water, as well as soaking the area in a mixture of water and antiseptic, for the management of non-filarial elephantiasis. Lastly, surgery can also be performed to reduce elephantiasis, especially elephantiasis of the scrotum. But, for elephantiasis of the trunk or limb, surgery is not very effective.

The success of elephantiasis treatment depends on its early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Though tissue damage is permanent, the swelling can be managed or reduced with appropriate treatment. The non parasitic form of the diseases can be prevented with the help of certain measures like, wearing shoes, that can reduce the exposure to the irritants found in some soil. The symptoms of elephantiasis can sometimes resemble the symptoms of some related lymphatic system diseases like, hereditary lymphedema, filariasis and secondary lymphedema. Therefore, appropriate elephantiasis treatment also depends on accurate diagnosis of the condition.