Thanks for contacting HCM I am sorry to hear about your friend with elephantiasis. True Elephantiasis is caused by an infection of the parasite Filariasis and this infection blocks the lymphatic system of the legs. This blockage does not allow the fluids in the legs to return to the upper body and back into regular circulation. Elephantiasis may not be caused by the parasite but by other types of blockage of the same lymphatic system. Treatment for the swelling is usually bed rest with elevating of legs. Sometimes compression hose may also help. If he has had this problems for year then it maybe a very difficult condition to improve as the damage may already be done. Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again with any of your questions.