The medical term used to describe inflammation of the lymphatic vessels is lymphangitis. Typically, this is a complication of skin infections, but it may also happen in people with some types of cancer and other diseases. Physicians often treat lymphangitis with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
Lymph vessels that become inflamed are a part of the lymphatic system that carries fluid away from tissues and delivers it into the bloodstream. Sometimes, this condition is called acute lymphangitis. It means the condition appeared recently and should not last a long time with treatment. If this condition is left untreated, it may lead to serious and even life-threatening complications because the infection may spread to other parts of the body.
What Are The Symptoms of Lymphangitis?
Usually, people with lymphangitis experience the following symptoms. Examples include:
- Headaches
- Chills
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Red streaks on the skin (a symptom of infection-related lymphangitis)
- Delayed wound healing
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin or armpit
Immediately contact your healthcare professional if any of the symptoms listed above occur. Otherwise, it may lead to unpleasant outcomes.
Causes and Risk Factors
This condition may occur anytime you have a wound because open areas on the skin allow bacteria, viruses, or fungi to enter the body and invade the lymphatic system. While bacterial infections are the most common cause of lymphangitis, it may also happen due to viral or fungal infections. Check the most common causes below:
- Puncture wounds
- Skin infections (such as cellulitis)
- Bug bites or stings
- Large wounds that require stitches (including surgical incisions)
- Sporotrichosis (a common fungal skin infection)
In rare cases, lymphangitis appears as a complication of certain cancerous and noncancerous tumors. For instance, this condition occurs when cancerous cells spread from the primary tumor to the lymph vessels. These blockages often result in inflammation.
While anyone can develop lymphangitis, certain factors may increase your risk even more. Check some examples below:
- Crohn’s disease
- Chickenpox
- HIV infection
- Weakened immune system
- Certain tumors (such as breast, lung, pancreas, prostate, or stomach cancers)
- Diabetes
What Happens if Lymphangitis is Left Untreated?
People who ignore the symptoms and do not get treatment may experience some complications. For example:
- Sepsis and bacteremia – These are some of the most serious complications of lymphangitis. It often happens when the infection breaches the lymphatic system and enters the bloodstream. In some cases, it may also cause a life-threatening systemic response called sepsis.
- Cellulitis – This complication often happens when the infection spreads from the lymphatic channels into deep layers of the skin and surrounding soft tissues.
- Abscesses – These are painful, localized, and pus-filled pockets that may appear along the inflamed lymphatic channels.
- Necrosis and ulceration – These complications often occur in severe, untreated cases of lymphangitis. They cause tissue death (necrosis) or open ulcers along infected lymph vessels.
The previous list does not contain a complete list of complications. However, you can consult with your doctor about measures to reduce the risk or even prevent them.
Can Lymphangitis Be Prevented?
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to prevent this condition because it is a complication of another disorder. However, if you notice red streaks on the skin, flu-like symptoms, or swelling near the lymph nodes, you should seek medical care immediately. Remember, early detection and prompt treatment may help prevent life-threatening complications.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of this condition starts with a physical examination in which doctors will check for abnormalities linked to the disease. Thereafter, they may also ask some questions about the symptoms and medical history to get more clues about your problem. In any case, to confirm or exclude lymphangitis, doctors will perform the following tests and procedures. For example:
- Skin culture test – This test is done by doctors to check the presence of pathogens (including bacteria, viruses, or fungi).
- Skin biopsy – During this procedure, doctors will remove a small piece of affected skin for testing. They often look for the cause of swollen lymph nodes.
- Blood culture – Doctors usually perform this test to determine whether the infection has spread.
Treatment
Commonly, physicians recommend different treatment options for people with this condition. They depend on the severity and exact cause of the condition, age, sex, overall health, and preferences. Check some common treatments used to get rid of lymphangitis below:
- Pain relievers
- Anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce swelling
- Antifungal medicines
- Antiviral and antibiotic medications
While doctors may give you the previous medicines in a pill form, in more severe cases, people need IV (intravenous) medicines. In rare cases, doctors may recommend surgery to remove dead or infected tissues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from lymphangitis?
Usually, the time people recover from this disease varies because it depends on the exact cause. In some cases, the swelling may be present even after weeks or a few months. For more details, discuss it with your physician.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
You should contact or visit your doctor immediately if you experience red streaks on the skin or flu-like symptoms, especially if you already have a condition or an existing wound. In such cases, you should get treatment as soon as possible to prevent life-threatening complications.
What is sclerosing lymphangitis?
This is a rare health condition that negatively affects males. Generally, it is not related to acute lymphangitis and happens when a lymph vessel in the penile becomes hard and swollen. Therefore, it causes a rope-like swelling below the head of the penile. This condition seems to be serious, but usually it goes away on its own. Healthcare professionals are not sure what exactly causes sclerosing lymphangitis.
What is the difference between acute and chronic lymphangitis?
Lymphangitis is most commonly acute, meaning it develops suddenly and is usually linked to an active infection. Chronic lymphangitis is much less common and typically results from long-standing infections, repeated inflammation, or underlying conditions that continuously affect lymphatic drainage.
Is lymphangitis contagious?
No, lymphangitis itself is not contagious. However, the underlying infections that cause it (such as bacterial skin infections) may be contagious depending on the pathogen involved and the type of skin exposure.
Can lymphangitis go away without treatment?
In most cases, no. Without prompt treatment, the infection can worsen and spread. Untreated lymphangitis increases the risk of serious complications, including sepsis.
Why do red streaks appear on the skin in lymphangitis?
The red streaks occur because inflamed lymphatic vessels run just under the skin’s surface. As infection spreads along these vessels, inflammation becomes visible externally as linear red streaks extending from the infection site toward nearby lymph nodes.
Can lymphangitis affect children?
Yes. Children can develop lymphangitis, especially if they have untreated skin injuries, insect bites, or bacterial skin infections. Their immune systems may respond strongly, making early medical evaluation important.
How is lymphangitis different from cellulitis?
Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin and soft tissues, while lymphangitis specifically involves inflammation of the lymphatic vessels. The two conditions often occur together, but lymphangitis is more likely to show visible red streaking.
When is lymphangitis considered a medical emergency?
It becomes an emergency when symptoms worsen rapidly, such as high fever, severe pain, spreading redness, confusion, or signs of systemic infection. These may indicate that the infection is progressing toward bloodstream involvement, requiring immediate hospital treatment. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any other questions.
