Cellulitis - Lymphangitis (Infection)

All lymphedema patients are at risk for infections of their lymphedemous limbs. You should always follow the 18 Steps To Prevention but you could still get an infection and you must be prepared. You need to know how an infection in the limb will present itself and what to do to treat the infection.

If you have any of the symptoms listed below you MUST SEE your doctor or go to the Emergency Department (E.D.) at the hospital. You MUST BE ON ANTIBIOTICS  to clear up the infection of the skin and tissues and make sure it has not entered the blood system.

Lymphangitis (Infection)
Signs and symptoms of lymphangitis (infection) may include some or all of the following: rash, red blotchy skin, itching of the affected area, discoloration, increase of swelling and/or temperature of the skin, heavy sensation in the limb (more so than usual), pain, and in many cases a sudden onset of high fever and chills.

Treatment for infections: immediately discontinue ALL current lymphedema treatment modalities (including manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging, pumps, wearing of compression garments) and contact your physician as soon as possible. The antibiotics of choice for these types of lymphatic infections are those in the penicillin family. Always carry antibiotics or a prescription with you when you travel.