Rowley MJ, Rapini RP.
Elephantiasis nostras.
Cutis 1992 Feb;49(2):91-6

Department of Dermatology, Louisiana State University, New Orleans.

Elephantiasis nostras is characterized by edema, skin fibrosis, and massive
enlargement of a body part. Lymphatic obstruction, most commonly due to surgery,
radiation, infection, or neoplasms, is important in its pathogenesis. The diagnosis
of elephantiasis nostras can often be made based on the clinical findings, but
examination of tissue may be helpful to rule out associated conditions, especially
malignancies. Mainstays of therapy are elevation, use of pressure devices, and
administration of antibiotics. Although medical and surgical treatments are limited
in their value, pneumatic pumps are effective in refractory cases.