I have Lymphedema & Cellulitis at the same time. What can I do to resolve them together?

Answers from doctors (9)


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jul 28, 2015

Cellulitis is a complication of lymphedema which can be treated with oral antibiotics. However, aggressive treatment of lymphedema will allow the antibiotics to work faster and better, so make sure to begin or continue those efforts as well.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1015_1408044084.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Cellulitis is a complication of lymphedema which can be treated with oral antibiotics. However, aggressive treatment of lymphedema will allow the antibiotics to work faster and better, so make sure to begin or continue those efforts as well.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of New Mexico

Published on Jul 27, 2015

It's most important to see a specialist. Start with a vein specialist whose can make the appropriate referral if that person cannot start therapy. You will need antibiotics, compression and message therapy.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/558_1408044071.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of New Mexico

It's most important to see a specialist. Start with a vein specialist whose can make the appropriate referral if that person cannot start therapy. You will need antibiotics, compression and message therapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on Jul 22, 2015

Lymphedema is best treated with compression stockings and wraps, massage therapy, and lympha-press sequential compression devices. Cellulitis requires antibiotics.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1196_1551115459.jpg
Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Lymphedema is best treated with compression stockings and wraps, massage therapy, and lympha-press sequential compression devices. Cellulitis requires antibiotics.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Westlake Village

Published on Jul 22, 2015

This combination of symptoms is best treated by a physician that is familiar with this pathology. The cellulitis is best treated with antibiotics. Lymphedema is often best treated with compression. Treatment using both antibiotics and compression may reasonably be performed at the same time, in most cases.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/687_1431629446.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Westlake Village

This combination of symptoms is best treated by a physician that is familiar with this pathology. The cellulitis is best treated with antibiotics. Lymphedema is often best treated with compression. Treatment using both antibiotics and compression may reasonably be performed at the same time, in most cases.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 22, 2015

See a doctor that specializes in lymphedema treatment. They can manage both problems.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

See a doctor that specializes in lymphedema treatment. They can manage both problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 22, 2015

Have your primary care doctor refer you to a specialized lymphedema clinic at a medical center who can provide the appropriate care for your condition.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Have your primary care doctor refer you to a specialized lymphedema clinic at a medical center who can provide the appropriate care for your condition.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jul 22, 2015

Antibiotics and edema control

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Antibiotics and edema control

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jul 22, 2015

Cellulitis is an infection that is treated and resolves with antibiotics . Lymphedema is a chronic condition that can not be be cured but responds to compression treatment. Better control of lymphedema helps prevent future cellulitis infections.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Cellulitis is an infection that is treated and resolves with antibiotics . Lymphedema is a chronic condition that can not be be cured but responds to compression treatment. Better control of lymphedema helps prevent future cellulitis infections.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 22, 2015

Lymphedema can lead to cellulitis and recurrent cellulitis can lead to lymphedema. Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics and leg elevation. Elevation of the legs and support hose will help lymphedema but chronic lymphedema may require lymphedema massage and compression sleeves.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Lymphedema can lead to cellulitis and recurrent cellulitis can lead to lymphedema. Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics and leg elevation. Elevation of the legs and support hose will help lymphedema but chronic lymphedema may require lymphedema massage and compression sleeves.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Lymphedema Treatment

Lymphedema Treatment -1 answer
I have swelling in my hand 3 months after surgery. I have been iagnosed with lymphedema. What type of doctor should I see for treatment?
See More
Lymphedema Treatment -2 answers
I am a 30 year old who has had lymphedema for a long time now. I have been exercising, yet I still have lymphedema. It feels very unpleasant. Are there any low-cost treatment options that are non-invasive and do not require surgery?
See More
Lymphedema Treatment -3 answers
My left greater saphenous vein demonstrates severe reflux, slowing blood flow to the heart. The problem: I have lymphedema of the left leg. I've been told by a therapist that a cut or even an injection can disturb the lymphatic flow and that it can also cause me to go from stage 2 lymphedema to stage 3 or 4. I was told an injection may even bring on a cellulitus infection, which I have had several. Very concerned about getting an ablation on that leg. Will the procedure do more harm than good?
See More
Lymphedema Treatment -1 answer
I have been going to physical therapy for lymphedema since 2011. Is there a specialist who can do more? The lymphedema is in my left arm and the upper torso surrounding the area. A scar from the surgeries I've had, make the area very tender and painful a lot of the time.
See More
Lymphedema Treatment -1 answer
I have had 14 HDD/clubfeet surgieries, and now my legs swell. I need a left THR/bone graft next month. To begin, they started wrapping my legs for 2 weeks. Now, I have pulsating pain 24/7, even at rest with no compression on them. Why is this happening? I cannot sleep.
See More
Lymphedema Treatment -10 answers
I'm 40 and the swelling came out of the blue from upper calves to toes on both legs. What can I do to keep swelling down?
See More
Lymphedema Treatment -1 answer
My mother has had lympedema on both legs for a long time. Now, her legs are very swollen and she has difficulty walking. How we can help her? What doctor can help? What therapies exist?
See More
Lymphedema Treatment -4 answers
Thirty years ago I had a mastectomy with lymph node involvement. I've controlled the resulting lymphedema with a Jobst sleeve and a pump. I went through reconstructive surgery, and perhaps scar tissue has blocked the draining of my arm. What are my options to correct this?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Lymphedema Treatment -1 answer
Physical Therapists have not been able to help me because of the multiple problems I have in my legs. I suffer from severe peripheral neuropathy, osteoarthritis, lymphedema, and a recent onset of shingles in my legs. So far I have seen two different PTs. After having compression wraps for several weeks, my skin started to beak down and infection became a concern. All treatment stopped. Who would be an appropriate doctor to see?
See More
Lymphedema Treatment -2 answers
In addition to the information above, I have also been told that I only have 9% return in my legs after compressing them. What type of treatment/therapy do you suggest? I am not diabetic. The doctor I saw wants to put a stint in my legs.
See More
Lymphedema Treatment -1 answer
The physician's assistant said she would save time from going to the lymphedema clinic by wrapping the toes. At my wound care clinic I had my leg wrapped after fluid leakage through my toes. She said if it began to hurt to cut the bandages off. She also put in each toe a silver nitrate patch. Is that a normal procedure?
See More
Lymphedema Treatment -1 answer
I don't know who to turn to. I take Furosemide and it doesn't seem to be helping as fast as it should be. Do I need to see a podiatrist or do I need to get a referral to go see a specialist? I've been off work for 2 and 1/2 months from total knee replacement and the swelling in my feet has not gone down the entire time. I'm a big guy, obese, 325 lb and that doesn't help.
See More
Lymphedema Treatment -2 answers
I wear full-length compression stockings but they push the fluid from my legs to my groin and it becomes more uncomfortable and takes a week to clear. What to do? I wear them as had bladder cancer 2017 and was on life support in 2016.
See More
Lymphedema Treatment -1 answer
My vein specialist won't treat me with laser or injections until I get the swelling under control with a compression pump. Are at-home compression pumps dangerous to use? I have difficulty learning and I am afraid that I may make my situation worse. Are there individuals who would come to my home a few times to teach me and see that I do not make a mistake?
See More
Lymphedema Treatment -1 answer
I had a cancer surgery about 5 years ago and was advised by my doctor to wear grade 2 compression stockings. Would you advise what kind of compressions stocking is most suitable to me and where can I buy them (website or ebay)? Thank you.
See More
Lymphedema Treatment -1 answer
My nephew, who is 23, has been dealing with this for years and within the past two years has been hospitalized three times. Any information would be helpful. Thanks!
See More

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR