What to Know About Lymphangitis

Lymphangitis is an infection or inflammation of the lymphatic system. It can spread quickly, so it's important to get immediate treatment to avoid complications.

The lymphatic system is part of the immune 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, and lymphatic vessels. They help to create and store lymphocytes, 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.

Symptoms of Lymphangitis

When an infection infiltrates the lymphatic system, lymphangitis develops. It can cause a host of different symptoms, including:

• Enlarged lymph nodes, typically in the groin, armpit, or elbow area, which feel tender to the touch 
• Malaise, or a general feeling of being unwell
• Fever
• Chills
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Pain that throbs in the affected area
• Muscle aches
• Red streaks or stripes in the skin that start at the affected area and run along the body to the armpit or groin

In some cases, nodes that are affected by the infection can develop into skin ulcers that burst open like blisters.

What Is the Main Cause of Lymphangitis?

The main cause of lymphangitis is a bacterial infection. However, it can also be caused by a parasitic infection. In some cases, it can develop without the presence of any infection at all.

The most common bacteria associated with the condition is group A streptococci.  

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.

Because animals and insects can carry certain types of bacteria that can cause lymphangitis, getting scratched or bitten by a cat, dog, or tick with a bacterial infection can also cause the condition to develop.

Other possible causes of lymphangitis include:

• Viral infections, such as an infection with the herpes simplex virus
• Vaccinations
• Tuberculosis testing that is conducted by injecting a tuberculosis antigen underneath the skin
• Wart treatment with cantharidin, which is a substance derived from a green blister beetle

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.

Your health history is also important in the event that you have lymphangitis caused by a non-infectious disease.

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.

A biopsy of 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, antibiotics will 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 an abscess (a collection of pus) from the lesions that 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.

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.

Summary

Lymphangitis is an infection or inflammation of the lymphatic system, mainly the lymphatic vessels. The condition is most notably caused by a bacterial infection. However, it can also develop because of an underlying health condition, parasitic or fungal infection, or viral infection.

Treatment is highly dependent on the cause. Typically, a healthcare provider can diagnose a person with lymphangitis simply by examining their nodes and affected areas. However, they tend to conduct blood tests or biopsies to confirm the cause to determine the best treatment.

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.