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Understanding the Complications of Lymphedema

If lymphedema is not treated, the patient may develop complications of lymphedema that may expose him or her to illnesses that are more chronic. There are numerous complications that the patient may encounter, including the change in the appearance of the body and a major impact on daily activities due to impaired movement. Presently, the list of complications has inflated with new documentation from studies conducted on lymphedema patients. Some of these are listed below.

1. Skin infections like cellulitis and infection of the lymph vessels known as lymphangitis are common occurrences. Recurring infections are possible because the patient’s immune system has slowed down. There may be pain, redness, and swelling in the affected area.
2. Wounds that are drained can lead to scarring of the surrounding skin as the fluid is very acidic.
3. Severe pain may be caused due to the pressure on the nerves on account of fluid build up in the affected area; there may be pain due to loss of muscle tissue as well.
4. The patient may lose his functioning due to changes in the limbs or swelling.
5. Another major complication of lymphedema is the psychological effect the disease has on the individual. The patient may go into depression on account of his inability to cope with the disfigurement and debilitation.
6. Deep vein thrombosis may be caused due to the pressure of the swelling on the vascular system. It may also be caused due to infections like cellulitis and lymphangitis.
7. Gangrene or sepsis may set in as a result of infections that are not taken care of. This could lead to the amputation of the affected limb.
8. Skin complications are also very common in patients with lymphedema. Cracked skin, plaques and a vulnerability to bacterial infections are some other problems that the patient may encounter.
9. Long term lymphedema patients may contract cancer of the lymph glands, known as lymphangiosarcoma or angiosarcoma, a cancer of the soft tissues.
10. A person suffering from hereditary lymphedema may be at a high risk of contracting lymphoma.

Repeated attacks of infection will worsen the lymphedema and pave the way for more infections, leading to a vicious circle. Therefore, it is imperative to treat the infection speedily. Doctors may prescribe oral antibiotics like phenoxymethyl penicillin 500mg, to be taken daily.

The inflammatory process starts with the skin and may proceed along the lymphatic vessels right to the lymph nodes. An opening or crack in the skin is the point of entry for the infection. To prevent increased complications of lymphedema, the skin must be kept meticulously clean. It is essential to avoid bruises, cuts and insect bites as these are the major cause for infection. Treatment of infections at the early stages is a must because if left untreated, the infection may spread through the body. Constant monitoring of the condition by a doctor is highly essential in case of lymphedema patients.

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