Why was the "Elephant man" (John Merrick) called the elephant man? He didnt look like an elephant.?

Answer 1

he had elephantitis

elephantitis-is a disease that is characterized by the thickening of the skin and underlying tissues, especially in the legs and genitals.
Causes
Elephantiasis generally results from obstructions of the lymphatic vessels. It is most commonly caused by a parasitic disease known as lymphatic filariasis.

Alternatively, elephantiasis may occur in the absence of parasitic infection. This nonparasitic form of elephantiasis, known as nonfilarial elephantiasis or podoconiosis, generally occurs in the mountains of central Africa. Nonfilarial elephantiasis is thought to be caused by persistent contact with volcanic ash.

Answer 2

Part of his illness included abnormal growth of tumors and lesions. 1/2 of his face became very overgrown . There was xtra skin by his nose and so he became known as the elephant man. Because of the large size of his head he had to sleep sitting up. One day he was found lying down and was dead because the weight of his head crushed his wind pipe. He was 28 y.o.

It was only in the 1970's that his illness was finally discovered as proteus syndrome.


Source:
www.rarediseases.about.com/cs/proteussyndrome/a/031301.htm

Answer 3

The movie showed his pregnant mother working for the circus. And maybe she was trampled by one of the circus elephants?? I don't remember, .... that was long ago.

Answer 4

Because he suffered from Elephantiasis, a horrible disfiguring disease

Answer 5

ASK MICHAEL JACKSON....He owns it !!
Actually, "His" skull did resemble an Elephant.

Answer 6

because of the toughness of his skin

Answer 7

he had elephantitis