Arlington Lymphedema Center

911A Medical Centre Drive, Arlington, TX 76092
Arlington: (817) 860-7600
Fax: (817) 861 - 7601


Symptoms of Infection

All lymphedema patients are at risk for infections of their affected limb. You need to know how an infection in the limb will present itself and what to do to treat the infection.

If you have any of the symptoms listed below you MUST SEE your doctor or go to the Emergency Room at the hospital. You MUST BE ON ANTIBIOTICS to clear up the infection of the skin and tissues and to make sure it has not entered the blood system.

Symptons of Skin Infection (Cellulitis, Erysipelas or Lymphangitis) Signs and symptoms of infection may include some or all of the following:

  • A rash, red blotchy skin, discoloration
  • Itching of the affected area
  • The area feels “hot” to the touch and there is a sudden increased feeling of fullness
  • Pain, and in some cases a sudden onset of high fever and chills.
Treatment for infections: Immediately discontinue ALL current lymphedema treatment modalities (including manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging, pumps, wearing of compression garments) and contact your physician as soon as possible. The antibiotics of choice for these types of lymphatic infections are those in the penicillin family. It is not a bad idea to carry prophylactic antibiotics or a prescription with you when you travel.

Fungal infections: These can be on the skin or toenails and can increase the risk for cellulites infections.

  • Peeling, cracking, and scaling of the feet
  • Redness, blisters or break down of the skin
  • Grayish white film
  • Itching and/or burning
  • An odor
Treatment: If you do have a fungal infection you want to wash the area well, keep the area dry and apply a topical anti-fungal cream or powder. Your physician may also prescribe an oral anti-fugal medication. Do not perform manual lymphatic drainage on your feet if you have a fungal infection as to not spread the infection.