Complications of Cellulitis and Lymphangitis
-----------------------
Cellulitis
and Lymphangitis
For those of us with lymphedema, this is often our worst nightmare and sends us to the hospital more
than
anything else regarding lymphedema. In this section there are many
detailed
articles on cellulitis, complications of and treatment for
cellulitis and/or
lymphangitis.
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Acute Cellulitis
Acute Cellulitis is one of the complications of lymphedema.
The patient may not
be aware of the source of the etiology. Sometimes it may be a cut,
mosquito
bite, open wound or other infection in the body.
The first sign is increased or different quality of PAIN involving the
lymphedema limb. The patients often describe this as a "flu like
symptom or
an ache" involving the Lymphedema arm or leg. This is usually followed
by
sudden onset of ERYTHEMA(redness, red streaks or blotches) on the
involved limb.
The HYPERTHERMIA(lymphedema limb becomes warm, hot) will follow and the
patient
may experience the CHILLS and even HIGH FEVER.
The early intervention and treatment with antibiotics will resolve this
condition (it usually takes one week of antibiotics). Only a Medical
Doctor will
be able to prescribe the Antibiotics, thus a consultation with a Doctor
is
necessary. Severe Cellulitis may require Inter venous
Antibiotic treatment and
hospitalization. Again, elevation of the affected limb is important.
During that phase the patient should NOT massage the Lymphedema
limb,apply commpression
bandages, use a compression
pump, wear tight elastic sleeve or exercise excessively.
Avoid the
blood pressure and blood to be drawn from the involved arm.
Keep the limb
elevated as much as possible while resting. Once the symptoms dissipate
the
treatment MLD/CDP
should be initiated.
How do we prevent this infection? The patient should be careful with
daily
activities and take all precautions to protect the skin (wear gloves
when
gardening, cleaning with detergents, etc... ). If an injury to skin
occurs on
the Lymphedema limb it is necessary to clean the wound with alcohol or
hydrogen
peroxide and apply Neosporin/Polysporin antibiotic ointment. If the
symptoms
progress seek the attention of a physician immediately. See also: Prevention
of Cellulitis
Also, as I have mentioned numerous times, I encourage everyone to be under the care of an infectious disease doctor.
April
25, 2008
-----------------------------------------
It
is so very important to avoid getting cellulitus as it further
destroys the
lymphatic
system. Allowed to spread or continue it can become
systemic and can lead to sepsis,
gangrene,
amputation of the limb or even death.
-----------------------------------------
This article is taken
from the Spring 2002 issue of LymphLine, the LSN's
quarterly newsletter available to all LSN members
Watch point: The Importance of Antibiotics for Cellulitis
By Professor Peter Mortimer
Antibiotics are often recommended on a long term basis in patients who
have
recurrent attacks of cellulitis. The reason is quite simply because
nothing else
works (unless there has been a substantial improvement in the swelling
following
decongestive lymphatic therapy). Cellulitis results from the
compromised local
immunity within the swollen region (but not your overall body).
Treating with antibiotics as and when each attack of cellulitis occurs
is a bit
like 'shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted'! Each attack
of
cellulitis can not only make you ill but tends to cause a deterioration
in the
swelling and make the tissues (skin
and underlying fat layer) harder
(fibrotic).
This does not help the long term control of the lymphoedema. Experience
has
shown that the best way of controlling recurrent attacks of cellulitis
is with a
low dose of antibiotic taken every day (usually
penicillin
or erythromycin).
Unfortunately this approach, nor any other for that matter, may not
necessarily
cure the infection and an attack could start immediately if you
inadvertently
stop the antibiotic. Therefore please only comply with the
recommendations made
by your GP or lymphoedema therapist.
There is no reason to believe that long term antibiotics are harmful or
affect
your whole body's immunity. For decades penicillin has been given life
long
without a problem to patients who have had their
spleen removed. Therefore
safety seems assured providing you are not allergic.
http://www.lymphoedema.org/lsn/lsn140.htm#TOP
-----------------------------------------
Cellulitis Complications
http://health.allrefer.com/health/cellulitis-complications.html
-----------------------------------------
Are there complications of cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria. The infection most often develops anywhere the skin has been broken—often from a cut, burn, or an insect bite. The infection spreads from the skin to underlying tissues. In severe cases, it can spread quickly, within hours or days. Cellulitis is usually not contagious.
Cellulitis is caused by bacteria, usually Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Facial cellulitis in children under 3 years of age is typically caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.1 Some people are at risk for infection by other types of bacteria that result in cellulitis. At-risk groups include people with impaired immune systems and people who handle fish, meat, poultry, or soil without using gloves.
You may be at increased risk for cellulitis if you have:
Cellulitis can cause tenderness, pain, swelling, and redness at the site of the infection. Fever and chills are also common. Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body. In adults, it often occurs on the legs, face, or arms. In children, it commonly develops on the face or around the anus. Facial infection requires immediate medical attention; antibiotics can help prevent a potentially dangerous eye infection.
Complications such as bacteremia (presence of bacteria in the blood) or sepsis (systemic inflammation in response to infection) can develop if the bacteria that causes cellulitis spreads quickly through the body. Facial cellulitis infection can spread to the brain (meningitis). Other complications, such as thrombophlebitis or, rarely, gangrene, can also develop. If you are an older adult, have certain medical conditions such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, or an impaired immune system, you are at increased risk for complications. You may also be at risk for recurrence of cellulitis.
Antibiotics are the main treatment for cellulitis and are usually successful in curing the infection. Antibiotics can be taken either orally or intravenously (IV). If you have certain medical conditions that increase your risk for getting cellulitis, you can take antibiotics after a skin injury to help prevent the infection.
http://www.pamf.org/teen/healthinfo/index.cfm?page=article&sgml_id=tr5105
Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW | Last Updated May 22, 2003 |
Medical Review: | Terry Golden, DO - Family
Practice Adam Husney, MD - Family Practice W. David Colby, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease |
-------- Short List of Possible Infections Complications----------
1. Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
2. Meningitis (brain and spinal cord infection)
3. Lymphadenities (inflammation of the lymph vessels)
4. Sepsis (whole-body inflammatory state)
5. Abscesses (collection of pus in the body)
6. Thrombophlebitis (vein inflammation related to a thrombosis)
7. Necrotizing Fasciitis (Infection that leads to the destruction of the musclature underlying skin)
8. Shock (bodily collapse or near collapse)
9. Recurrence (return of cellulitis)
10. Gangrene (tissue death)
---------External Links--------------------------------
Infectious Complications
http://www.cancernetwork.com/cancer-management/infections/article/10165/1802868
-----------------------------------------
Fact Sheets: Complications (Opportunistic Infections & Malignancies, Symptoms, and Side Effects)
http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=md-rr-21
-----------------------------------------
Infectious Complications Infectious Complications of Body Piercing
http://www.hawaii.edu/hivandaids/Infectious%20Complications%20of%20Body%20Piercing.pdf
-----------------------------------------
http://www.springerlink.com/content/41720j02l8737316/
-----------------------------------------
http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/10428194.2011.636812
-----------------------------------------
* For more complete information and expanded database on cellulitis, lymphengitis, erysipelas and types of infections, causes, treatments please see the category Lymphedema Cellulitis, Lymphangitis *
-------------------------------
Related Lymphedema People Medical Blogs and Pages:
http://bacteriainfections.blogspot.com
http://antibioticinformation.blogspot.com/
http://cellulitisinfections.blogspot.com/
http://mrsainformation.blogspot.com/
http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=34
Antibiotic Therapy, Types of Antibiotics
http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_antibiotics.htm
===========================
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Pat O'Connor
Lymphedema People / Advocates for Lymphedema
===========================
For information about Lymphedema
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Lymphedema Glossary
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===========================
Lymphedema People - Support Groups
-----------------------------------------------
Children
with Lymphedema
The time has come for families, parents, caregivers to have a support
group of
their own. Support group for parents, families and caregivers of
chilren with
lymphedema. Sharing information on coping, diagnosis, treatment and
prognosis.
Sponsored by Lymphedema People.
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Subscribe: childrenwithlymphedema-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
......................
Lipedema
Lipodema Lipoedema
No matter how you spell it, this is another very little understood and
totally
frustrating conditions out there. This will be a support group for
those
suffering with lipedema/lipodema. A place for information, sharing
experiences,
exploring treatment options and coping.
Come join, be a part of the family!
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Subscribe: lipedema_lipodema_lipoedema-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
......................
MEN WITH LYMPHEDEMA
If you are a man with
lymphedema; a man with a loved one with lymphedema who you are trying
to help
and understand come join us and discover what it is to be the master
instead of
the sufferer of lymphedema.
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Subscribe: menwithlymphedema-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
......................
All
About Lymphangiectasia
Support group for parents, patients, children who suffer from all forms
of
lymphangiectasia. This condition is caused by dilation of the
lymphatics. It can
affect the intestinal tract, lungs and other critical body areas.
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......................
Lymphatic
Disorders Support Group @ Yahoo Groups
While we have a number of support groups for lymphedema... there is
nothing out
there for other lymphatic disorders. Because we have one of the most
comprehensive information sites on all lymphatic disorders, I thought
perhaps,
it is time that one be offered.
DISCRIPTION
Information and support for rare and unusual disorders affecting the
lymph
system. Includes lymphangiomas, lymphatic malformations,
telangiectasia,
hennekam's syndrome, distichiasis, Figueroa
syndrome, ptosis syndrome, plus many more. Extensive database of
information
available through sister site Lymphedema People.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/lymphaticdisorders/
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section. We
are also working on hundred more.
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