Erysipelas and elephantiasis of the scrotum--surgery and drug therapy.

Elephantiasis of the scrotum is the terminal stage of persistent refractory lymphedema. Its debilitating functional and cosmetic effects have significant psychological, emotional and social consequences for the affected patient. The causal relationship between etiology and recurrent disease is illustrated here by 2 cases. Therapy options are also discussed. Primary therapeutic success is determined by radical surgery, since chronic inflammation and chronic oedema mutually foster one another. Metabolic stability, sanitization of infected cutaneous areas and the prophylactic administration of antibiotics are essential to ensure that the treatment of recurrent erysipelas is successful in the long term.