What is Lymphangitis

Lymphangitis is inflammation of one or more lymph vessels. This condition is usually caused by a bacterial infection. The lymphatic system is part of the body’s defense system (immune system).

It is a network of vessels, glands, and organs that carry fluid (lymph) and other substances around the body. Lymph vessels drain into glands called lymph nodes. These nodes filter bacteria and waste products from lymph.

Lymphangitis usually develops when bacteria spreads to the lymphatic system from an infected wound or scrape on the skin of the arms or legs. It can also result from a skin infection (cellulitis) that spreads to the lymph nodes. Lymphangitis can spread quickly through your lymph system and into your blood (bacteremia).

What are the causes?

This condition is usually caused by bacteria that get into the lymph vessels. Most often, this is streptococcus bacteria. In some cases, staphylococcus bacteria may be the cause. Many other types of bacteria can also cause lymphangitis, but that is rare.

What increases the risk?

The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:

• Being male. Men are more likely to get lymphangitis caused by cellulitis.
• Having a decreased ability to fight infection or a weakened immune system.
• Having diabetes.
• Taking drugs that suppress the immune system.
• Having chickenpox.
• Being weak from another illness.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The most common symptom of lymphangitis is a wound or skin infection that develops red streaks in the skin. These are the infected lymph vessels. The red streaks will extend toward the lymph nodes that drain the vessels. Other symptoms may include:

• Warmth and tenderness over the streaks.
• Throbbing pain.
• Swollen and tender lymph nodes.
  • For arm infections, these will be under the arm.
  • For leg infections, these will be in the groin area.
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Headache.
• Appetite loss.
• Muscle aches.
• Fast pulse.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical exam. You may also have tests, such as:

• Blood tests to check for an increase in white blood cells.
• Blood cultures to look for bacteremia.
• Culture and sensitivity testing. This is a test to find out what type of bacteria will grow from a sample of pus swabbed from the wound or skin infection. The results help determine which antibiotic medicines will kill the bacteria.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition may include:

• Antibiotics.
  • You may be started on an antibiotic that is known to kill both streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria.
  • Your antibiotics may need to be switched if tests show that your condition is caused by another type of bacteria.
  • If your infection is very bad or has spread to another area of your body, you may need to get antibiotics through an IV at the hospital.
• Pain medicine.
• Incision and drainage. This is a procedure that may be done at the hospital if pus needs to be drained from your wound.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Take your antibiotic medicine as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
• Rest at home until your health care provider says that you can return to your normal activities.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your wound.
• Raise (elevate) the affected area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have chills or a fever.
• Your symptoms do not go away with treatment.
• Your symptoms come back after treatment.