Definition
Lymphangitis is an inflammation of the lymph vessels. Lymph vessels have the task of transporting fluid from the tissue. If an inflammation is present, for example after an injury, it can spread to the lymphatic vessels.
This leads to painful, streaky redness of the skin and possibly swollen lymph nodes. Lymphangitis is usually triggered by bacteria and treatment is carried out accordingly with antibiotics and disinfecting compresses. In most cases, the disease heals without consequences. Without treatment, there is a risk that the inflammation will spread further and lead to life-threatening blood poisoning.
Risks
How dangerous lymphangitis is depends on various circumstances. If the trigger is an insect bite and it is a mild accompanying reaction, the disease is usually harmless. Lymphangitis caused by bacteria can take different courses.
With prompt treatment by disinfection and, if necessary, antibiotics, lymphangitis can usually be treated well. However, if there is no appropriate therapy or if, for example, a prescribed antibiotic does not work (for example, due to resistant germs in the hospital), the inflammation can also spread throughout the body via the blood. This so-called sepsis or blood poisoning is a possible serious complication of lymphangitis and can be life-threatening. Especially people with a weak immune system, such as diabetics or the elderly, have an increased risk of sepsis. However, in most cases a complete cure can be achieved by antibiotic treatment.
Causes
Lymphangitis usually develops on the basis of a pre-existing infection, for example an inflamed wound on the arm or leg. Bacteria (often so-called streptococci) enter the lymph vessels from there, which run to the middle of the body, and cause an inflammatory reaction there. Certain parasites or fungi can also cause lymphangitis.
Gardeners and farmers, for example, are at risk of contracting spirotrichosis if injured. This is an infection with certain fungi from the soil. Athlete’s foot can also lead to lymphangitis in the leg.
Furthermore, people who suffer from certain diseases have an increased risk of developing lymphangitis. These include diabetes and other diseases that weaken the immune system, for example AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Even long-term therapy with steroid hormones (e.g. cortisone) increases the risk of developing lymphangitis.
In patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer, lymphangitis can occur if the drug is inadvertently injected into the surrounding tissue rather than into the vein. Lymphangitis may also occur in response to an insect bite. In most cases, toxins are transferred via the insects’ saliva and enter the lymphatic system, where they trigger an inflammatory reaction.
In particular, an allergy to the insect venom leads to an excessive reaction of the immune system, which can also include lymphangitis. Lymphangitis can also include lymphangitis, which is a painful red stripe that starts at the site of the puncture and runs towards the middle of the body. You can find further information on this topic under: Lymphangitis after an insect bite
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