Treatment:

Lymphangitis may spread within hours. Treatment should begin promptly.

Treatment may include:

• Analgesics to control pain
• Antibiotics to treat any infection
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and swelling
• Warm moist compresses to reduce inflammation and pain

Surgery may be needed to drain an abscess.

Expectations (prognosis):

Prompt treatment with antibiotics usually leads to a complete recovery. However, it may take weeks, or even months, for swelling to disappear. The amount of time it takes to recover depends on the cause.

Complications:

• Abscess
• Cellulitis (a skin infection)
• Sepsis (a general or bloodstream infection)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of lymphangitis.