Medically reviewed by Jerome Albert Ecker | MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University - Durham, NC on July 11th, 2023.
Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is a rare condition caused by mosquito bites in tropical or subtropical areas. If you have elephantiasis, your arms, legs, sex organs, and breasts may swell and become much larger than normal. The affected skin can also thicken and harden, resembling an elephant's skin.
Elephantiasis is caused by repeated mosquito bites in areas where certain types of roundworms are present. When infected mosquitoes bite you, they transfer tiny roundworm larvae into your bloodstream. These larvae grow and mature in your lymph system, where they can live for years and cause significant damage, leading to swelling.
The main symptom of elephantiasis is swelling in the affected body parts. Other symptoms may include:
Bulky and lumpy appearance of the swollen area
Stiff, tough skin
Pain in the swollen area
Chills and fever
General feeling of being unwell
To diagnose elephantiasis, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history and travel to areas where the condition is more common. Blood tests, conducted at night when the parasites are active, can detect the presence of roundworms in your bloodstream.
Treatment for elephantiasis typically involves medication to kill the microscopic worms in your bloodstream. Your doctor may prescribe diethylcarbamazine (DEC), taken once a year, or a combination of DEC and ivermectin for better long-term results.
To manage symptoms, you can:
Wash and dry the swollen areas daily
Use moisturizers
Check for wounds and apply medicated cream to sore spots
Exercise and walk when possible
Elevate swollen arms or legs when lying down or seated
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure in severely swollen areas, such as the scrotum.
Elephantiasis can be disabling and may affect your ability to work or move around easily. You may also experience anxiety or depression due to concerns about your appearance. If you have elephantiasis, ask your doctor about support groups or search for online resources to help you cope with the condition.
For more information on elephantiasis, visit:
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