Elephantiasis nostras
| Elephantiasis nostras | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
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]
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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
- Chronic lymphangitis
- Elephantiasis
- Skin lesion
- List of cutaneous conditions
References
- ^ ISBN 0-323-02409-2
- ^ a b c Scheinfeld NS. (2009). "Skin Disorders in Older Adults: Vascular, Lymphatic, and Purpuric Dermatitides, Part 2 Archived 2012-09-24 at the Wayback Machine". Consultant 49 (7)
- ISBN 978-0-7216-2921-6.