A DAY FOR VINDICATION, MARCH 12, WORLD ELEPHANTIASIS DAY
World Elephantiasis Day is celebrated annually on March 12 to raise awareness about the most severe form of lymphedema (Stage III), including its causes, signs, symptoms, complications, prevention, and treatment options. March is also Lymphedema Awareness Month, which includes both Primary Lymphedema (a genetic condition) and Secondary Lymphedema (caused by various factors such as surgery, radiation, infection, insects, etc.). Read about the myths and facts of elephantiasis HERE.
In specialized medical and scientific literature, the term elephantiasis refers to the most severe degree of lymphatic dysfunction, both in Primary Lymphedema and Secondary Lymphedema caused by different factors. Some organizations have been mistakenly using the term elephantiasis as if it were a synonymous with lymphatic filariasis. It should be noted that most people who suffer from lymphatic filariasis (Secondary Lymphedema) and have access to adequate treatment do not inevitably progress to the stage of elephantiasis, since elephantiasis can be prevented by treating lymphedema in its early stages with appropriate treatment. It is therefore incorrect to use the term elephantiasis as a synonym to refer exclusively to lymphatic filariasis, nor is it correct to say that all lymphatic filariasis is, or ends up being, elephantiasis.
Lymphedema (Organic Lymphatic Vascular Disease) is due to impaired lymphatic drainage resulting in skin disease, characterized by persistent and progressive swelling, and abnormal thickening of the skin and subcutaneous connective tissue. Lymphedema is not just a localized swelling problem, but a condition that can affect multiple body systems, structures and functions, leading to a range of physical, physiological and psychosocial symptoms and complications. Read about the symptoms and complications of lymphedema HERE.
Lymphedema is not a rare disease but a major public health problem, and it is necessary to sensitize governments and international health organizations, that access to treatment for lymphedema and lymphatic diseases should be a global priority. Up to 10 million Americans may be affected by lymphoedema, and it's estimated that over 250 million people worldwide suffer from the disease, creating pain, swelling, disability, and suffering for patients of all ages, including children. The only way to avoid elephantiasis (Stage III Lymphedema) is to provide early lymphatic therapy and compression garments necessary for lymphatic disorders. Read more about why the world is not treating a treatable disease like elephantiasis HERE.
Lymphatic Elephantiasis is one of the world's most disfiguring, disabling, and life-threatening conditions, and is nearly always the result of non-treatment or undertreatment of lymphedema. There is a safe and effective treatment for lymphatic dysfunction, which helps to retain and maintain the progression of the disease towards its severe late stages. The best treatment for lymphedema is COMPLETE DECONGESTIVE THERAPY (CDT), which is considered the “Gold Standard” conservative treatment. This specialized treatment consists of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and multi-layered bandage wrapping conducted by specialized lymphedema therapists, as well as other components such as skin care, diet, and exercises.
WHAT IS LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS AND PODOCONIOSIS?
Compression alone without Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for the Initial Reduction Phase I, can cause displacement of lymph to other previously non-affected areas, which in the case of lower limbs can cause Genital Edema. People with lymphedema need access to specialized care throughout their lives, both to manage the disease and to prevent progression to more advanced stages such as elephantiasis. Read more about the principal functions of Manual Lymphatic Drainage HERE.
Conservative treatment is indicated for all edema stages, including Stage III, and as a preventive treatment that will avoid the initial progression toward the elephantiasis stage. Radical reductive ablative surgery, aimed at removing subcutaneous tissue, should always be the last option, for it is associated with possible significant blood loss, morbidity, infections, permanent disfigurement, and recurrence of symptoms.
WHAT IS ELEPHANTIASIS / MYTHS AND FACTS
Apart from the patient daily basic self-care needed, consisting of washing limbs and skin moisturizing, they also need to wear compression garments (orthotic devices) throughout the day. Without compression garments, it is impossible to retain the progression of lymphatic edema.
The daily use of standard bandages for lymphedema is not practical. Bandages lose pressure after application due to edema reduction, and they also tend to loosen and slip off when undertaking work that requires continuous physical activity, likewise, dirty bandages can also be an important source of infection. While bandages are mainly used for the initial phases of compression therapy, compression garments are recommended for the maintenance and long-term management of chronic conditions. Read more about the best treatment for elephantiasis HERE.
March 12 is the date to remember all those people living with Primary and Secondary Lymphedema in its most severe stage "Elephantiasis". No one should be allowed to progress to this stage of severity due to lack of treatment or undetreatment, as elephantiasis can be prevented in most cases by treating lymphedema in its early stages with appropriate treatment.
