Cellulitis

Cellulitis (celulitis) is inflammation of the connective tissue of the skin caused by a bacterial infection. Cellulitis can spread quickly and become a life-threatening medical emergency within a matter of hours, especially if it spreads through the lymphatic or circulatory systems and reaches vital organs. For more information see Lymphedema Related Infections and First Aid and ***Article tag 'emergency' not found***.

Cellulitis, erysipelas, or other infections may be the first sign of lymphedema or the event that leads to the diagnosis of lymphedema. Cancer survivors and persons with scarring from other causes are at risk for developing lymphedema, see ***Article tag 'risk_1' not found***, ***Article tag 'warning' not found***, and How Lymphedema is Diagnosed.

If you have lymphedema, you can reduce your risk of infection by reducing the swelling through treatment (see ***Article tag 'CDT_2' not found***) and self management (see ***Article tag 'massage' not found***).

For additional information on all of these topics, and much more, get Living Well With Lymphedema. Click on Ordering Information for details.

Got a question or comment? Post it in the Living Well With Lymphedema, the book forum.

Publication: Living Well With Lymphedema
Updated: 2007-02-11