Is Lymphangitis Life Threatening?

Lymphangitis can spread quickly, leading to complications such as: cellulitis, a skin infection. bacteremia, or bacteria in your blood. sepsis, a body-wide infection that's life-threatening.

Is lymphangitis an emergency?

Lymphangitis can spread to the blood if left untreated. This life-threatening infection called sepsis may cause a very high fever, flu-like symptoms, and even organ failure. A person who feels very ill following an injury, or who has a high fever and symptoms of lymphangitis, should seek emergency medical attention.

How long does it take lymphangitis to spread?

Lymphangitis may spread within hours. Treatment should begin right away. Treatment may include: Antibiotics by mouth or IV (through a vein) to treat any infection.