Author(s) Iwao F, Sato-Matsumura KC, Sawamura D, Shimizu H, et al.

Journal Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et a.... Date of publication 2004 Jun 1;volume 30(6):939-41.

Abstract 1. Dermatol Surg. 2004 Jun;30(6):939-41. Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa successfully treated by surgical debridement. Iwao F(1), Sato-Matsumura KC, Sawamura D, Shimizu H. Author information: (1)Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan. Comment in Dermatol Surg. 2005 Jun;31(6):731. BACKGROUND: Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa represents a rare group of cutaneous changes comprising dermal fibrosis, hyperkeratotic, verrucous, and papillomatous lesions after chronic secondary, nonfilarial lymphedema. There is no standard treatment for this rare cutaneous manifestation. OBJECTIVE: This article describes debridement that is helpful when performed in addition to physiotherapy. METHODS: We present a patient who was treated by shaving the verrucous area with a blade of a freehand knife and by subsequent abrading of the mossy area using a motor-powered grinder. RESULTS: Reepithelization was completed in 2 weeks. A compression stocking was used to treat the lymphedema. Ten months after the operation, we saw no signs of disease recurrence. The result was also aesthetically satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery in such case may not always be the best treatment because it does not treat the cause of disease but only treats the cutaneous symptoms. Nevertheless, debridement is a rapid and an aesthetically acceptable form of treatment. DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30267.x PMID: 15171776 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Source ID (e.g. PMID): 15171776