Lymphangitis | Medtick
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Lymphangitis

What is it?

Lymphangitis is the infection of lymphatic vessels.

  • Lymphangitis is a secondary infection, meaning it happens because of another infection.
  • If an infection travels from the original site to the lymph vessels, the vessels become inflamed and infected.
  • Those with weak immune systems are vulnerable to this infection
  • This condition can reoccur if the initial infection causing lymphangitis is not treated.
Do not wait, if one does not have sepsis and yet display the symptoms, you will most likely need antibiotics. If antibiotics do not work, it may be fungal and/or viral. please let the healthcare professional know what may have caused this.
Diagnosis tests
  • Physical examination
  • Blood test (show a high white blood count, known as leucocytosis)
  • Blood cultures – check for sepsis
  • Wound or skin culture
  • Determine if bacterial, fungal and/or viral and provide the appropriate treatment
  • Ultrasound
  • CT
  • MRI
  • Biopsy

Cause

  • Any injury that allows a virus, bacteria, or fungus to enter the body can cause an infection that leads to lymphangitis.
  • Puncture wounds i.e. from stepping on a nail or other sharp object
  • Untreated or severe skin infections i.e. cellulitis
  • Insect bites and stings
  • African Sleeping Sickness
  • Wound that needs stitches
  • Infected surgical wounds
  • Fungal condition:
    • Sporotrichosis (Rose Gardner’s disease) – (condition that affects gardeners)

Higher risk:

Symptoms

Streaks

  • Notice red or dark streaks extending from the site of an injury, along with swelling, pain, and warmth?
  • Streaks appear red or darker than the surrounding skin?
  • Streaks be irregular in shape?
  • streaks feel warm?
  • Streaks be tender or painful?
  • Spread from an infection site toward the lymph nodes i.e. up the arms toward the underarm?
  • Spread from an infection site toward the lymph nodes i.e. up the legs toward the groin?
  • Swollen neck glands?

Other symptoms include:

  • Swollen lymph glands and/or reoccurring mouth ulcers?
  • Rapid heart rate (medical emergency)?
  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills?
  • Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
  • General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
  • Pain in an arm or leg or site of injury?
  • Body swelling?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

  • Sepsis
  • If lymph nodes are not going down after treatment (or several treatments).
Do not wait, if one does not have sepsis and yet display the symptoms, you will most likely need antibiotics. If antibiotics do not work, it may be fungal and/or viral. please let the healthcare professional know what may have caused this.
General tips

This condition can be confused with:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Lymphangitis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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