filariasis - elephantiasis HELP!

[derek a. zelmer]

On 30 Oct 1996, Richard Speare wrote:

> increased in the affected portSkin infection is very common and
> usually makes the changes worse. It is a very deforming disease and
> probably was called elephantiasis because of the enlargement and the
> chronic changes in the skin (thickening) of the affected appendage. The
> changes of elephantiasis rarely regress even with treatment to kill the
> parasite.  Apart from this end stage of infection, people with lymphatic
> filariasis have a range of other symptoms that make it quite a significant
> disease in terms of morbidity. 
> 
I have recently read a report stating that considerable improvement can 
be achieved simply with repeated washing with soap and water. Apparently 
much of the pathology is due to secondary infection.

Derek Zelmer