Elephantiasis

**Earl** · 17-02-2008, 15:55

Sometimes known as elephantitis, elephantiasis is one of the most bizarre and terrible illnesses known to man. The condition is the result of a blockage in the lymphatic system which results in the thickening of the skin and underlying tissue particularly in the legs and genitals. Which is all you need.

The disease is most commonly caused by a parasite called the nematode worm, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. The worms lodge themselves in the lymphatic system and cause an obstruction. There are rare cases of non-parasitic elephantiasis but these are linked to excessive exposure to volcanic ash. Because of these requirements elephantiasis is extremely rare in the west, occuring mostly in Central Africa and some parts of South America and the Indian sub-continent,.

There is no real cure or vaccine for the illness, some medication has a limited success if the disease is treated soon after infection. But it's difficult to detect until too late, particularly in third world countries with poor medical facilities. On the bright side genital elephantiasis can be treated surgically, however surgery doesn't work on effected limbs.

The condition isn't actually fatal, but when your ball-bag is the size of a space hopper suicidal tendencies may manifest.

Looks pretty bad for blokes, but women get a rough deal too.

This is an amputated leg from someone who suffered from the condition. I want one in a jar too.