Also known as lymphatic filariasis, there is swelling of affected areas like limbs, arms, breasts and genitals. It is a very rare condition that is spread by mosquitoes and cause obstruction of lymphatics. It is more common in people who live in tropical or subtropical areas.
Symptoms
1. Swelling of the scrotum, legs or breast and arms.
2. The legs are the most commonly affected area. Swelling and enlargement of body parts can lead to pain and mobility issue.
3. The skin is also affected and may be dry, thick, ulcerated, darker than normal and pitted.
4. Some people experience additional symptoms such as fever and chills.
Causes
Elephantiasis is caused by blocking of lymphatic system. Lymphatics helps in drainage of lymph and waste from different parts of body and this waste material is filtered in lymph nodes. Thus the fluid is flushed out from body. Fluid builds up in the tissue due to blockage of lymphatics. And there is backup of lymph due to obstruction. This leads to swelling of limbs or affected parts. This blockage is caused by worms, mainly Wuchereria bancrofti.
Mosquitoes spreads the parasites, firstly they become infected with the larvae when they take blood meal from an infected person. The mosquitoes then bite another individual, thus passing the larvae into their blood stream and ultimately settle in lymphatics.
Homeopathic Approach
Homeopathic medicine helps in reducing the swelling of affected areas. Ars alb and Hydrocotyle helps to removing the waste products from body. Remedies like Graphites and Petroleum are helpful when there are secondary infections.
Skin become fragile and easily gets infected. Some protective measures like skin moisturising, disinfecting the wounds to prevent secondary infections. Affected areas are elevated so that the flow of lymph is improved. And also wrapping the limbs also helps in improving the flow of lymph. Utmost care should be taken to prevent secondary infections which are stubborn to heal. We at Gouri Homeo Healthway employ best protocol of remedies for the probable condition and help in reducing the secondary infections by ensuring good health.
