Lymphangitis Overview
Learn About Lymphangitis
Lymphangitis is an infection of the lymph vessels (channels). It is a complication of some bacterial infections.
Inflamed lymph vessels; Inflammation - lymph vessels; Infected lymph vessels; Infection - lymph vessels
The lymph system is a network of lymph nodes, lymph ducts, lymph vessels, and organs that produce and move a fluid called lymph from tissues to the bloodstream.
Lymphangitis most often results from an acute streptococcal infection of the skin. Less often, it is caused by a staphylococcal infection. The infection causes the lymph vessels to become inflamed.
Lymphangitis may be a sign that a skin or soft tissue infection is getting worse. The bacteria can spread further into the blood and cause life-threatening problems.
Symptoms may include:
- Fever and chills
- Enlarged and tender lymph nodes (glands) -- usually in the elbow, armpit, or groin
- General ill feeling (malaise)
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Red streaks from the infected area to the armpit or groin (may be faint or obvious)
- Throbbing pain along the affected area
Lymphangitis may spread within hours. Treatment should begin right away.
Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics by mouth or IV (through a vein) to treat any infection
- Pain medicine to control pain
- Anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce inflammation and swelling
- Cool compresses to reduce inflammation and pain
Surgery may be needed to drain an abscess.
Geisinger Clinic
Laurie Cox is a Family Medicine provider in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Cox and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lymphangitis. Her top areas of expertise are Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, and High Cholesterol.
Geisinger Clinic
Juyeon Kim is an Internal Medicine provider in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Kim and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lymphangitis. Her top areas of expertise are Hypothyroidism, Obesity in Children, Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).
Geisinger Clinic
Natalia Hanson is a Family Medicine provider in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Hanson and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lymphangitis. Her top areas of expertise are Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Obesity in Children, and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).
Prompt treatment with antibiotics usually leads to a complete recovery. It may take weeks, or even months, for swelling to disappear. The amount of time it takes to recover depends on the cause.
Health problems that may occur include:
- Abscess (collection of pus)
- Cellulitis (a skin infection)
- Sepsis (a general or bloodstream infection)
Contact your provider or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of lymphangitis.
Summary: Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive disease of the lymphatic vessels which affects about 300 million people worldwide. Patients may experience recurrent soft tissue infection of the limb affected by lymphedema, in terms of erysipelas, lymphangitis or cellulitis. No previous study has ever investigated the possible role of the gut microbiota in the genesis of acute infectious/inflammatory episo...
Published Date: May 19, 2023
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Pasternack MS, Swartz MN. Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 95.
Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, Dellinger EP, Goldstein EJ, Gorbach SL, Hirschmann JV, Kaplan SL, Montoya JG, Wade JC; Infectious Diseases Society of America. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2014 Jul 15;59(2):e10-52. Erratum in: Clin Infect Dis. 2015 May 1;60(9):1448. Dosage error in article text. PMID: 24973422. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24973422/.