Treatment for elephantiasis includes medications, symptom management, and, sometimes, surgery.

Although medically known as lymphatic filariasis, the term elephantiasis is commonly used because symptoms include swelling and enlargement of the arms and legs.

Elephantiasis is a tropical disease where the skin becomes thick and hard. It is due to parasitic worms that are spread through mosquito bites.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that 120 million people worldwide are affected by elephantiasis.

Read on to learn more about treating and preventing this neglected tropical disease.

Elephantiasis in man's legs.Share on Pinterest
Elephantiasis may cause swelling of the limbs, breasts, or genitals.
Image credit: CDC, (1962).

Most people who are infected will not show symptoms, despite damage to the lymph system and kidneys.

Those who do get symptoms most commonly experience swelling of the:

  • legs
  • arms
  • breasts
  • genitals

People with elephantiasis will have impaired immune function because of damage to their lymph system. They tend to get more bacterial infections of the skin, causing it to become dry, thick, and ulcerated with repeated infections.

Other symptoms during these repeated bacterial infections include a fever and chills.

The following 3 types of parasitic roundworms cause elephantiasis:

  • Wuchereria bancrofti
  • Brugia malayi
  • Brugia timori

Wuchereria bancrofti worms cause 90 percent of all cases of elephantiasis. Brugia malayi causes most of the others.

How does the disease spread?

Mosquitoes are responsible for spreading the parasites that cause elephantiasis.

Firstly, mosquitoes become infected with roundworm larvae when they take a blood meal from an infected human.

The mosquitoes then bite someone else, passing the larvae into their bloodstream.

Finally, the worm larvae migrate to the lymphatics via the bloodstream and mature in the lymph system.

Risk factors

Elephantiasis can affect anyone who is exposed to the parasites that cause the disease.

The risk of exposure is greatest for people who:

  • live long-term in tropical and subtropical regions
  • are regularly bitten by mosquitoes
  • live in unhygienic conditions

The regions where these roundworms are found include:

  • Africa
  • India
  • South America
  • Southeast Asia
Share on Pinterest
A blood sample will be taken to confirm the presence of the parasite.

To diagnose elephantiasis, a doctor will:

  • take a medical history
  • inquire about symptoms
  • perform a physical examination

A blood examination will be required to confirm a parasitic infection. In most parts of the world the roundworms are most active at night, so the blood sample must be collected during this time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Alternative tests may be used to detect the parasites, but they may show negative results because symptoms can develop years after the initial infection.

X-rays and ultrasounds may also be done to rule out other conditions that could be causing the swelling.

People with an active infection can take medications to kill the worms in the blood. These medications stop the spread of the illness to others, but they do not completely kill off all the parasites.

Antiparasitic drugs that may be prescribed include:

  • diethylcarbamazine (DEC)
  • ivermectin (Mectizan)
  • albendazole (Albenza)
  • doxycycline

Other symptoms may be managed with:

Not everyone with elephantiasis will need medication. This is because they may no longer carry the worms in their system despite the presence of symptoms. People can manage the swelling and skin infections in these cases by:

  • gently washing the swollen and damaged skin every day with soap and water
  • moisturizing the skin
  • elevating swollen limbs to improve the flow of fluid and lymph
  • disinfecting wounds to prevent secondary infections
  • exercising regularly to support the lymphatic system, as directed by a doctor
  • wrapping the limbs to prevent further swelling, as instructed by a doctor

Surgery may be recommended in rare cases to remove damaged lymphatic tissue or relieve pressure in certain areas, such as the scrotum.

Some people with elephantiasis may wish to seek emotional and psychological support in the form of:

  • individual counseling
  • support groups
  • online resources
Share on Pinterest
Elephantiasis may cause anxiety about appearance.

Without medical treatment, the microscopic parasites may live for years in the lymphatic system, causing destruction and damage.

The lymph system is responsible for transporting excess fluid and proteins and fighting infections. Fluid builds up when it does not function correctly. The accumulation of fluid leads to swelling of the tissue and reduced immune function.

Elephantiasis is associated with several physical and emotional complications, including:

  • Disability: Elephantiasis is a leading cause of permanent disability across the globe. It may be difficult to move the affected body parts, which makes working or engaging in household tasks more difficult.
  • Secondary infections: Fungal and bacterial infections are prevalent among those with elephantiasis because of damage to the lymph system.
  • Emotional distress: The condition can cause people to worry about their appearance, which could lead to anxiety and depression.

The best way to prevent elephantiasis is to avoid mosquito bites.

People who visit or live in countries at risk should:

  • sleep under a mosquito net
  • cover up their skin with long sleeves and trousers
  • use insect repellent

Elephantiasis is a tropical disease spread through mosquito bites. People living in affected tropical or subtropical areas are most at risk of infection. However, short-term visitors to these regions have a very low risk of getting elephantiasis or related conditions, according to the CDC.

People with symptoms of the condition, including swelling and skin thickening, should see their doctor immediately. Elephantiasis symptoms can be managed through medications, lifestyle changes, and emotional support.