Lymphangitis (Lymphangitis is an inflammation of the lymph vessels)

To diagnose lymphangitis, your doctor will perform a physical exam. They'll feel your lymph nodes to check for swelling. Your doctor may also order tests such as a biopsy to reveal the cause of the swelling or a blood culture to see if the infection is present in your blood. 

The lymph system is a network of lymph nodes, lymph ducts, lymph vessels, and organs that produce and move a fluid called lymph from tissues to the bloodstream. Lymphangitis most often results from an acute streptococcal infection of the skin. Less often, it is caused by a staphylococcal infection.

Lymphangitis can spread quickly, so doctors typically recommend aggressive treatment of the underlying infection.

In most cases, a person will need antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection. Intravenous (IV) antibiotics can deliver the medication faster, so a person may need to receive IV antibiotics in the hospital or at a doctor’s office.

If the infection is fungal or viral, a doctor will prescribe antifungal or antiviral medications.

If the first round of medication does not kill the infection, a person may need another round of medication. Rarely, an individual may require surgery to remove infected tissue.

Lymphangitis can be very painful. To help with the pain, a person can try:

applying warm compresses to the injury and areas with red streaks

using anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen

taking prescription-strength pain relievers from a doctor