Lymphatic Diseases—Cellulitis

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and deep underlying tissues. Group A strep (streptococcal) bacteria are the most common cause. The bacteria enter your body when you get an injury such as a bruise, burn, surgical cut, or wound.

Symptoms include

• Fever and chills
• Swollen glands or lymph nodes
• A rash with painful, red, tender skin. The skin may blister and scab over.

Your health care provider may take a sample or culture from your skin or do a blood test to identify the bacteria causing infection. Treatment is with antibiotics. They may be oral in mild cases, or intravenous (by IV) for more severe cases.

NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

• Cellulitis (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Orbital cellulitis (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Perianal streptococcal cellulitis (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Periorbital cellulitis (Medical Encyclopedia)

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs. It is made up of

• Lymph – a fluid that contains white blood cells that defend against germs
• Lymph vessels – vessels that carry lymph throughout your body. They are different from blood vessels.
• Lymph nodes – glands found throughout the lymph vessels. Along with your spleen, these nodes are where white blood cells fight infection.

Your bone marrow and thymus produce the cells in lymph. They are part of the system, too.

The lymphatic system clears away infection and keeps your body fluids in balance. If it’s not working properly, fluid builds in your tissues and causes swelling, called lymphedema. Other lymphatic system problems can include infections, blockage, and cancer.

• Cancer and lymph nodes (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Cystic hygroma (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Groin lump (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Lymph node biopsy (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Lymph system (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Lymphadenitis (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Lymphangitis (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Lymphofollicular hyperplasia (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Neck lump (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Swollen lymph nodes (Medical Encyclopedia)