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.
Isabel Cordero-Forner practices in Valencia, Spain. Ms. Cordero-Forner is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Lymphangitis. Her top areas of expertise are Lipedema, Lymphangitis, Lymphedema, and Milroy Disease.
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Shreeniwas Lele is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Dr. Lele is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lymphangitis. His top areas of expertise are Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Necrosis, Hypertension, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Lele is currently accepting new patients.
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Dr. Dhiman is a member of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Association for Physicians of Indian Origin and Association of Women Surgeons. She is fluent in English, Spanish, Punjabi and Hindi. Dr. Dhiman provides surgical care at Piedmont Medical Center Rock Hill & Fort Mill, Atrium and Novant facilities and outpatient surgery at Carolina Surgical Center. Dr. Dhiman is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lymphangitis. Her top areas of expertise are Breast Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, Angiosarcoma, Hernia Surgery, and Lymphadenectomy.
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 12, 2025
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Karan A, Pasternack MS. Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis. In: Blaser MJ, Cohen JI, Holland SM, et al, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 97.
Liu C, Shopsin B, Chambers HF. Staphylococcal infections. Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 267.
Stevens DL, Bisno AL; Infectious Diseases Society of America, et al. 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;59(2):e10-e52. Erratum in: Clin Infect Dis. 2015;60(9):1448. Dosage error in article text. PMID: 24973422 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24973422/.
Stevens DL, Bryant AE, Hagman MM. Nonpneumococcal streptococcal infections and rheumatic fever. Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 269.