Lymphatic filariasis, another name for elephantiasis, is a debilitating and painful illness. It is marked by a significant expansion of one or more bodily parts, most commonly the genitalia, arms, and legs. The roundworms that cause this illness are parasitic roundworms from the family Filariodidea, which are spread by mosquito bites. In this article, we will discuss the modes of treatment of elephantiasis symptoms.
What are the Treatments of Elephantiasis?
There is currently no elephantiasis cure. People with an active infection can take medicines to treat elephantiasis symptoms.
The medicines include:
- Antiparasitic drugs, such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC), can be used with ivermectin to treat once every year that kills worms in the blood, and this combination gives long-term results.
- One of the regimens to treat elephantiasis is the use of single-dose ivermectin with or without albendazole.
Not everyone with elephantiasis requires treatment with medication, but people with swelling and skin infections can manage these cases by:
- Placing the swollen limbs in an elevated position to improve blood and lymph flow.
- By properly washing the infection with mild soaps and moisturising the skin
- Disinfecting the wounds to prevent further spread of infections
- Exercising to improve blood and lymph fluid flow.
- Properly wrapping the limbs as per the doctor’s instructions to prevent further swelling.
Furthermore, an option to treat elephantiasis in severe cases is surgery, to extract damaged lymphatic tissue or alleviate pressure in certain areas, such as the scrotum.
Conclusion
Elephantiasis is a condition that mainly affects limbs and causes disabling in the individual. The lymph accumulated in the lymphatic system of the affected area, making it difficult for the person to move the affected body parts. People living with elephantiasis condition may experience anxiety and depression as they have to be dependent on others all the time. So, one should go to a doctor to seek advice from a doctor who can guide you with options for elephantiasis disease treatment. Health insurance can help cover the costs of long-term treatment and care, ensuring better management of the condition.