Lymphangitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Lymphangitis is an infection of the lymph vessels beneath your skin. Lymph vessels are part of your lymph system, which helps to fight infection and drain excess fluid from the body. Lymphangitis is caused by a skin infection that spreads to the lymph vessels through a wound in the skin. It often occurs on an arm or leg.
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An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
Medicines:
- Antibiotics help treat an infection caused by bacteria.
- Antiparasitic medicine helps treat an infection caused by a parasite.
- Antifungal medicine helps treat an infection caused by a fungus.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever.
- NSAIDs decrease swelling and pain or fever.
Tests:
- Blood tests may be used to confirm that you have an infection.
- A wound or blood culture is a test of fluid or tissue from your wound or blood that is used to find the cause of your infection
Treatment:
Incision and drainage is a procedure that may be needed to drain pus from any abscesses you have.
RISKS:
Even with treatment, you may continue to have swelling in your arm or leg. Without treatment, your infection can spread quickly to your blood and the rest of your body.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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