Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentOutlookFAQ
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Outlook
FAQ
Lymphangitisis an infection or inflammation of thelymphatic system.It can spread quickly, so it’s important to get immediate treatment to avoid complications.
The lymphatic system is part of theimmune system, which collects fluids from cells and tissues and helps them re-enter the bloodstream. The organs include the bone marrow,spleen,thymus, lymph nodes, tonsils, andlymphatic vessels. They help to create and storelymphocytes, white blood cells that play a role in immunity. The system also helps send white blood cells where they need to go to fight infection.
This article discusses what lymphangitis looks like and what causes it. It also covers the different treatments and the prognosis for lymphangitis.
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Symptoms of Lymphangitis
When an infection infiltrates the lymphatic system, lymphangitis develops. It can cause a host of different symptoms, including:
Complications of LymphangitisIn some cases, complications can occur when someone has lymphangitis, such as infection of the skin, abscesses, or bloodstream (sepsis).
Complications of Lymphangitis
In some cases, complications can occur when someone has lymphangitis, such as infection of the skin, abscesses, or bloodstream (sepsis).
What Is the Main Cause of Lymphangitis?
The most common bacteria associated with the condition is group Astreptococci.
While bacteria is mostly associated with lymphangitis, fungal infections can also lead to the condition. That said, fungal-driven lymphangitis is most commonly found in gardeners because the specific fungus that causes the condition is found in soil.
Other possible causes of lymphangitis include:
Other Non-Infectious Causes of Lymphangitis
How to Diagnose Lymphangitis
When lymphangitis is suspected, your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and collect a medical history. The physical exam allows them to see skin symptoms and feel the affected lymph nodes to check for swelling or injury.
Since infection is the most likely cause, you will have to undergo a blood test to determine what type of infectious pathogen is causing it so that it can be treated appropriately.
Abiopsyof the affected area may also be taken to determine the cause.
How Is Lymphangitis Treated?
Treatment for lymphangitis will depend on the cause.
If a bacterial infection is to blame,antibioticswill be required. Depending on the severity, antibiotics can be administered orally or through an intravenous injection directly into the bloodstream.
Since pain can be a symptom of lymphangitis, some people may be given pain relievers to help while the infection is being treated. Anti-inflammatories will also be used because one of the trademark effects of the infection is swelling and inflammation of the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes.
If a person develops anabscess(a collection of pus) from thelesionsthat develop, surgery may be performed to drain the pus from the abscess. Lesions that develop on the skin may also be treated using potassium iodide.
Alternative Treatment Options for Lymphangitis
Since there are various causes of lymphangitis, other treatment options may include:
What Is the Outlook for Lymphangitis?
Typically, the outlook for people with lymphangitis is good because treatment can clear the body of the infection. Once that happens, the affected area begins to heal.
While complete recovery is typical for people who develop the condition, they could experience swelling in the nodes or affected areas of the body for months following treatment.
Is Lymphangitis an Emergency?Yes, it can be. Lymphangitis can spread within hours, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider or go to the emergency room as soon as you notice symptoms.Without treatment, life-threatening complications, such as sepsis, can arise.
Is Lymphangitis an Emergency?
Yes, it can be. Lymphangitis can spread within hours, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider or go to the emergency room as soon as you notice symptoms.Without treatment, life-threatening complications, such as sepsis, can arise.
Summary
People who develop lymphangitis can experience more severe health consequences, such as a skin or blood infection. However, total recovery is entirely possible after prompt and effective treatment.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLymphangitis causes small red streaks that run from the affected area into the armpit or groin area. These lines can be faint or obvious. In more severe cases, large abscesses or lesions may form on the skin.Lymphangitis moves quickly within the body. It’s thought that in less than a day, the infection can spread from the initial infection site to various other areas of the lymphatic system. Prompt treatment can stop this spread from happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lymphangitis causes small red streaks that run from the affected area into the armpit or groin area. These lines can be faint or obvious. In more severe cases, large abscesses or lesions may form on the skin.
Lymphangitis moves quickly within the body. It’s thought that in less than a day, the infection can spread from the initial infection site to various other areas of the lymphatic system. Prompt treatment can stop this spread from happening.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Lymphangitis.Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Zanotti RL, Moraes MS, Falqueto A.Nodular lymphangitis syndrome.Am J Trop Med Hyg.2017;97(5):1282-1284. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.17-0397Kano Y, Momose T.Acute lymphangitis.Cleve Clin J Med.2020;87(3):129-130. doi:10.3949/ccjm.87a.19095Tirado-Sánchez A, Bonifaz A.Nodular lymphangitis (sporotrichoid lymphocutaneous infections): clues to differential diagnosis.J Fungi.2018;4(2):56. doi:10.3390/jof4020056Dimcic T, Gregoric M, Breznik V.Rapidly progressive infection of hand after a cat bite.Cureus.2020;12(7):e9357. doi:10.7759/cureus.9357Cohen BE, Nagler AR, Pomeranz MK.Nonbacterial causes of lymphangitis with streaking.J Am Board Fam Med.2016;29(6):808-812. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2016.06.160015Prat L, Chouaid C, Kettaneh A, Fardet L.Cutaneous lymphangitis carcinomatosa in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma: case report and literature review.Lung Cancer.2013;79(1):91-93. doi:10.1016/j.lungcan.2012.09.009Ishida M, Iwai M, Yoshida K, Kagotani A, Okabe H.Metastatic Crohn’s disease accompanying granulomatous vasculitis and lymphangitis in the vulva.Int J Clin Exp Pathol.2013;6(10):2263-2266.Schneider P, Monsel G, Veziris N, Roujeau JC, Bricaire F, Caumes E.Successful treatment of nodular lymphangitis due to Mycobacterium chelonae in two immunosuppressed patients.Dermatol Online J.2011;17(3):8. doi:10.5070/D38f55s44kMount Sinai.Lymphangitis.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Lymphangitis.Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Zanotti RL, Moraes MS, Falqueto A.Nodular lymphangitis syndrome.Am J Trop Med Hyg.2017;97(5):1282-1284. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.17-0397Kano Y, Momose T.Acute lymphangitis.Cleve Clin J Med.2020;87(3):129-130. doi:10.3949/ccjm.87a.19095Tirado-Sánchez A, Bonifaz A.Nodular lymphangitis (sporotrichoid lymphocutaneous infections): clues to differential diagnosis.J Fungi.2018;4(2):56. doi:10.3390/jof4020056Dimcic T, Gregoric M, Breznik V.Rapidly progressive infection of hand after a cat bite.Cureus.2020;12(7):e9357. doi:10.7759/cureus.9357Cohen BE, Nagler AR, Pomeranz MK.Nonbacterial causes of lymphangitis with streaking.J Am Board Fam Med.2016;29(6):808-812. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2016.06.160015Prat L, Chouaid C, Kettaneh A, Fardet L.Cutaneous lymphangitis carcinomatosa in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma: case report and literature review.Lung Cancer.2013;79(1):91-93. doi:10.1016/j.lungcan.2012.09.009Ishida M, Iwai M, Yoshida K, Kagotani A, Okabe H.Metastatic Crohn’s disease accompanying granulomatous vasculitis and lymphangitis in the vulva.Int J Clin Exp Pathol.2013;6(10):2263-2266.Schneider P, Monsel G, Veziris N, Roujeau JC, Bricaire F, Caumes E.Successful treatment of nodular lymphangitis due to Mycobacterium chelonae in two immunosuppressed patients.Dermatol Online J.2011;17(3):8. doi:10.5070/D38f55s44kMount Sinai.Lymphangitis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Lymphangitis.Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Zanotti RL, Moraes MS, Falqueto A.Nodular lymphangitis syndrome.Am J Trop Med Hyg.2017;97(5):1282-1284. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.17-0397Kano Y, Momose T.Acute lymphangitis.Cleve Clin J Med.2020;87(3):129-130. doi:10.3949/ccjm.87a.19095Tirado-Sánchez A, Bonifaz A.Nodular lymphangitis (sporotrichoid lymphocutaneous infections): clues to differential diagnosis.J Fungi.2018;4(2):56. doi:10.3390/jof4020056Dimcic T, Gregoric M, Breznik V.Rapidly progressive infection of hand after a cat bite.Cureus.2020;12(7):e9357. doi:10.7759/cureus.9357Cohen BE, Nagler AR, Pomeranz MK.Nonbacterial causes of lymphangitis with streaking.J Am Board Fam Med.2016;29(6):808-812. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2016.06.160015Prat L, Chouaid C, Kettaneh A, Fardet L.Cutaneous lymphangitis carcinomatosa in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma: case report and literature review.Lung Cancer.2013;79(1):91-93. doi:10.1016/j.lungcan.2012.09.009Ishida M, Iwai M, Yoshida K, Kagotani A, Okabe H.Metastatic Crohn’s disease accompanying granulomatous vasculitis and lymphangitis in the vulva.Int J Clin Exp Pathol.2013;6(10):2263-2266.Schneider P, Monsel G, Veziris N, Roujeau JC, Bricaire F, Caumes E.Successful treatment of nodular lymphangitis due to Mycobacterium chelonae in two immunosuppressed patients.Dermatol Online J.2011;17(3):8. doi:10.5070/D38f55s44kMount Sinai.Lymphangitis.
MedlinePlus.Lymphangitis.
Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Zanotti RL, Moraes MS, Falqueto A.Nodular lymphangitis syndrome.Am J Trop Med Hyg.2017;97(5):1282-1284. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.17-0397
Kano Y, Momose T.Acute lymphangitis.Cleve Clin J Med.2020;87(3):129-130. doi:10.3949/ccjm.87a.19095
Tirado-Sánchez A, Bonifaz A.Nodular lymphangitis (sporotrichoid lymphocutaneous infections): clues to differential diagnosis.J Fungi.2018;4(2):56. doi:10.3390/jof4020056
Dimcic T, Gregoric M, Breznik V.Rapidly progressive infection of hand after a cat bite.Cureus.2020;12(7):e9357. doi:10.7759/cureus.9357
Cohen BE, Nagler AR, Pomeranz MK.Nonbacterial causes of lymphangitis with streaking.J Am Board Fam Med.2016;29(6):808-812. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2016.06.160015
Prat L, Chouaid C, Kettaneh A, Fardet L.Cutaneous lymphangitis carcinomatosa in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma: case report and literature review.Lung Cancer.2013;79(1):91-93. doi:10.1016/j.lungcan.2012.09.009
Ishida M, Iwai M, Yoshida K, Kagotani A, Okabe H.Metastatic Crohn’s disease accompanying granulomatous vasculitis and lymphangitis in the vulva.Int J Clin Exp Pathol.2013;6(10):2263-2266.
Schneider P, Monsel G, Veziris N, Roujeau JC, Bricaire F, Caumes E.Successful treatment of nodular lymphangitis due to Mycobacterium chelonae in two immunosuppressed patients.Dermatol Online J.2011;17(3):8. doi:10.5070/D38f55s44k
Mount Sinai.Lymphangitis.
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