What are the symptoms of Lymphedema?
Lymphedema manifests itself with the following signs and symptoms:
1. Swelling of the limb(s)
2. Skin changes – redness, dryness, hardening, increased warmth
3. Open skin areas or wounds
4. Aching or heaviness of the limbs
5. Difficulty with movement
6. Decreased muscle strength
7. Fatigue
Cellulitis and Erysipelas
Cellulitis – is an acute inflammation of the connective tissue of the skin, caused by infection with staphylococcus, streptococcus or other bacteria.
Erysipelas – is caused by infection by Group A Streptococci. This same type of bacteria is responsible for such infections as strep throat, and infections of both surgical and other kinds of wounds in the skin. The infection occurs most often in young infants and the elderly. The symptoms include a bright-red, butterfly-shaped rash appearing across the bridge of the nose and the cheeks.
Diagnosis of lymphedema
1. Lymphoscintography – uses a low-dose injected radioactive substance to trace the flow of lymph fluid through your lymphatic vessels.
2. MRI – uses radiowaves and magnetic fields to detect patterns in your internal tissues that are characteristic of lymphedemaon.
3. Ultrasound – uses high-frequency sound waves and Doppler technology to show vessels and real-time blood flow on a screen to rule out a blood clot in your leg.
4. CT – takes images of your internal tissues from a series of cross-sectional x-rayadiological.
