Elephantiasis, filariasis, or commonly known as elephantiasis is a condition that is quite often found in countries with tropical climates, one of which is Indonesia. In general, this disease needs to be watched out for because it often does not cause significant symptoms in the early stages and is only detected in the chronic stage. Even so, elephantiasis can be a cause of swelling in some limbs, up to permanent disability.
What causes elephantiasis?
Elephantiasis is caused by lymph nodes that are attacked by worms called filaria. This type of worm can be transmitted from one patient to another through the bite of a previously infected mosquito. Mosquitoes can be infected by the larvae of filarial worms through the process of taking food from sufferers, and then spread when the mosquito bites another person. The worm larvae contained in the mosquito then migrate to the patient's lymphatics through the bloodstream and mature in the lymph system.
What are the symptoms of elephantiasis?
Elephantiasis is usually characterized by swelling and enlargement of the body. Some of the symptoms that are often experienced are parts of the body that feel dry, thick, ulcerated, and dark in color and have spots. However, the symptoms of this disease are divided into several developmental phases, which consist of:
- Asymptomatic phase
In this phase, the patient does not feel any symptoms and does not realize that his body has been infected with filarial worms. In fact, the infection has damaged the lymph flow system, kidneys, and decreased immune system. This asymptomatic phase causes the patient to receive treatment late and the disease has progressed to the next phase, namely the acute phase.
- Acute phase
The acute phase can be marked by the appearance of local inflammation involving the skin, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels as a response to the body's resistance to parasitic infections that occur. The symptoms felt by sufferers can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and swelling of the legs, even swelling of the scrotum in men.
- Chronic phase
The phase after the acute phase in patients with elephantiasis is a chronic phase in which the lymph tissue begins to swell and thicken, especially on the skin of the feet. This condition is accompanied by thickening of the scrotum in men and swelling of the breasts and vagina in women. Sometimes, this condition is also accompanied by other symptoms such as skin that feels stiff and hard, pain in the swollen area, chills, fever, and feeling unwell.
How to treat elephantiasis?
The diagnosis of elephantiasis can be given by a doctor after going through several physical examination processes and blood tests. After getting a diagnosis, the patient will be given anti-parasitic drugs such as albendazole, ivermectin, and diethylcarbamazine citrate. In addition, there are also several things that can be done to relieve the symptoms of elephantiasis, including:
- Routinely wash and dry the swollen area
- Using a moisturizer
- Routinely examine and apply medicinal creams to sore and injured parts
- Exercising and walking
- Keep the swollen arm or leg in a high position, whether lying or sitting
- Wrap tightly around the affected area to prevent the wound from getting worse
That's the causes, symptoms, and how to treat elephantiasis. If you or your closest relative experiences similar symptoms, immediately check with a trusted doctor for further follow-up.
Article written by dr. Imran Nito, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist at EMC Pulomas Hospital).