Acute lymphangitis is a bacterial infection in the
lymphatic vessels which is characterized by painful, red streaks below the skin
surface. This is a potentially serious infection which can rapidly spread to
the bloodstream and be fatal. Acute lymphangitis affects a critical member of
the immune system—the lymphatic system. Waste materials from nearly every organ
in the body drain into the lymphatic vessels and are filtered in small organs
called lymph nodes. Foreign bodies, such as bacteria or viruses, are processed
in the lymph nodes to generate an immune response to fight an infection. In
acute lymphangitis, bacteria enter the body through a cut, scratch, insect
bite, surgical wound, or other skin injury. Once the bacteria enter the
lymphatic system, they multiply rapidly and follow the lymphatic vessel like a
highway. The infected lymphatic vessel becomes inflamed, causing red streaks
that are visible below the skin surface. The growth of the bacteria occurs so
rapidly that the immune system does not respond fast enough to stop the
infection. If left untreated, the bacteria can cause tissue destruction in the
area of the infection. A pus-filled, painful lump called an abscess may be
formed in the infected area. Cellulitis, a generalized infection of the lower
skin layers, may also occur. In addition, the bacteria may invade the
bloodstream and cause septicemia. Lay people, for that reason, often call the
red streaks seen in the skin “blood poisoning.” Septicemia is a very serious
illness and may be fatal.
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