Lymphoedema-management measures practised by cases of chronic lymphatic filariasis
Nanda, B.; Ramaiah, K.D.
Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology 97(4): 427-431
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-4983 PMID: 12831529 DOI: 10.1179/000349803235002308Document Number: 250736
This article presents the findings of a study to determine the current morbidity management and treatment practices of lymphoedema cases living in urban and rural communities in Pondicherry, India. Treatment-seeking behaviour, current treatment and limb care practices and the perceived benefits of these practices are discussed. Daily activity patterns, treatments used and the sources of these treatments, self-treatment practices, personal hygiene, and prevention of acute episodes of filarial lymphangitis are described. The results indicate that much more could be done, by the lymphoedema cases themselves, to alleviate lymphatic filariasis-associated morbidity in Pondicherry.