Elephantiasis nostras
SpecialtyDermatology

Elephantiasis nostras is a disease that usually affects the lower legs or scrotum.[1] Swelling is accompanied by rough nodules or wart-like plaques on the skin. If the disease is not treated, it eventually results in pain and immobility.[2]

The disease can be described as a cutaneous condition, a final hypertrophic fibrosis following long standing chronic lymphangitis.[3]: 261 

Causes

Although elephantiasis nostras resembles the elephantiasis caused by helminths, it is not a filarial disease. Instead, it is a complication of chronic lymphedema.[1] Both elephantiasis nostras and filarial elephantiasis are characterized by impaired lymphatic drainage, which results in excess fluid accumulation.[2]

Treatment

Treatment consists of antibiotics, elevation of the affected limb, and compression. For persons with elephantiasis nostras who are overweight or obese, weight loss is recommended.[2] Oral retinoids have been used to treat the cutaneous manifestations of the disease.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Lin P, Phillips T. "Vascular Disorders: Ulcers" (2003). In Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Rapini RP (Eds.), Dermatology, p. 1637. Mosby ISBN 0-323-02409-2
  2. ^ a b c Scheinfeld NS. (2009). "Skin Disorders in Older Adults: Vascular, Lymphatic, and Purpuric Dermatitides, Part 2". Consultant 49 (7)
  3. ^ James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-7216-2921-6.
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