Lymphedema and Infection

Lymphedema is a possible side effect of breast cancer surgery. When lymph nodes are removed or damaged, it’s more difficult for the lymphatic system to deal with injury. The fluid that builds up as a result of lymphedema can increase your risk of infection.

It’s important to monitor for signs of infection after lumpectomy, mastectomy, and lymph node removal surgery. Surgery scars can become infected, as can small cuts, bug bites, needle sticks, or small breaks in the skin — even ones that are too small to see. These infections can cause local symptoms such as redness, tenderness, and warmth.

If you notice a cut or break in the skin, it’s a good idea to:

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  wash the area with soap and water

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  apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment

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  cover the area with a clean, dry bandage and change it regularly, keeping the cut or break in the skin clean and covered until it heals

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  watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth or tenderness in the area, chills, fever, or fatigue

Keep in mind that even if you haven’t noticed any breaks in the skin, it’s still possible to have early symptoms of infection, such as fever or fatigue.

Ask your doctor or lymphedema specialist what you should do if you have an infection that doesn’t clear up quickly with over-the-counter treatments. You may need a prescription for antibiotics.

The infection should start clearing up within a few days of starting antibiotic treatment, but you must finish taking the antibiotics as prescribed. Your doctor may schedule you for a follow-up appointment to ensure the infection has cleared.

If you have persistent lymphedema and get frequent infections, you might need to take antibiotics whenever you get a cut or break the skin. Sometimes doctors prescribe a low-dose antibiotic regularly as a preventive measure — even if you don’t have an injury or a related infection.

Other times doctors may prescribe an antibiotic before any medical procedure that might let bacteria into your body, such as dental work. You may also want to let your doctor know if you’re planning to go on a trip. If you have frequent infections, you may need to take a prescription for antibiotics with you.

In some cases, if the infection doesn’t clear up with antibiotic pills, you may need to be admitted to the hospital so you can receive antibiotics directly into your bloodstream through an IV or a port. Just be sure the IV isn’t inserted into the arm or hand on the side of your body that has the infection.

Cellulitis is a serious bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues. Lymphedema doesn’t always lead to cellulitis. But in some cases, having lymphedema can increase the risk of developing cellulitis. Similarly, cellulitis doesn’t always lead to lymphedema. But if the infection damages the lymphatic system, lymphedema can develop as a result of cellulitis. ¹

Symptoms of cellulitis may include:

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  a spreading rash that is warm and tender

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  pain

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  increased swelling in the affected area

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  fever

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  chills

Cellulitis requires immediate medical attention and treatment with antibiotics. Left untreated, cellulitis tends to spread rapidly and can even become life-threatening. If you can’t see your doctor right away, go to the nearest emergency room for treatment.

 

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