DEFINITION
Lymphedema andelephantiasis are
related conditions involving long-term
swelling, but they are not identical.
Elephantiasis is usually a severe, advanced
form of chronic lymphedema.
4.
WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA
Lymphedema is a condition where lymph
fluid builds up in tissues because the
lymphatic system is blocked or damaged.
🔹 What the lymphatic system does
It normally:
Drains excess fluid from tissues
Helps immune function
Carries lymph fluid through lymph vessels
5.
WHEN IT FAILS
Fluid accumulates causing
→ persistent swelling,
usually in:
Arms
Legs
Genitals
Face (less common)
🔹 Causes
Cancer treatment (lymph node removal, radiation)
Infections
Injury or surgery
6.
WHAT IS ELEPHANTIASIS
Elephantiasis is a severe, chronic stage of
lymphedema where swelling becomes
extreme and skin thickens, resembling an
elephant’s skin.
🔹 Most common cause worldwide
Parasitic infection called lymphatic filariasis
This infection is spread by mosquitoes carrying
worms such as:
Wuchereria bancrofti
Brugia species
7.
SYMPTOMS
Both mayinclude:
Swelling of limbs
Heaviness or tightness
Reduced mobility
Recurrent infections (cellulitis)
In elephantiasis specifically:
Skin becomes hard, rough, and folded
Limb may enlarge dramatically
Deformity over time
TREATMENT
For Lymphedema
Compression garments
Manual lymph drainage (special massage)
Exercise
Skin care to prevent infection
Treat underlying cause
For Elephantiasis
Antiparasitic drugs (if filarial cause)
Long-term compression therapy
Hygiene and wound care
Surgery in severe cases (rare)
10.
PREVENTION
Mosquito control(nets, repellents)
Mass drug administration programs for
filariasis
Early treatment of swelling before it
progresses
