Q: One of my 90 years old uncle is in the advanced stage of filariasis. Nowadays, his swollen legs give a very bad smell. Is there any cure for the swelling and also to eradicate the bad smell? Is there any surgery or medicines you can suggest?

A:There is no cure for the long term filariasis swelling. The reason for this is that filariasis swelling is the lymphatic occlusion, which has fat deposition that has got fibrosed over the years. The only way one could get rid of the swelling is surgically removing the same and covering with skin grafts. This operation at the ripe age of 90 is not a sensible option. Regrettably the patient has to live with this condition. The smell is usually due to the growth of the anaerobic bacteria. Meticulous hygiene and application of Povidone iodine solution or ointment might reduce the smell.