elephantiasis

a dramatic and debilitating enlargement of SKIN and underlying CONNECTIVE TISSUE because of inflammation of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and the blocking of lymph vessels, preventing drainage. Inflammation and blocking of vessels is caused by parasitic worms (filariae), which are carried to humans by mosquitoes. The parts of the body most commonly affected are the legs, scrotum and breasts, in some cases to enormous proportions. Associated muscles of a limb may degenerate as a result of the abnormal pressure on them, and eventually overall health suffers. Prevention is the key, by eradication of the mosquitoes, but some relief is gained by using certain drugs early in the disease.