Abstract
Lymphedema is the protein-enriched liquid accumulation in the interstitial spaces, due to changes in the lymphatic content, transport deficiency, or failure of extralymphatic proteolysis. It is classified as primary if it is of unknown cause, or secondary or acquired lymphedema. The diagnosis is based on physical examination associated with a careful history. The treatment of the lymphedema should be multidisciplinary and aims to reduce swelling and to prevent its progression. Erysipelas is a skin and mucosal infection caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes beta-hemolytic group A of Lancefield classification. It is a common condition in clinical daily practice and the most frequent among all lymphangitis. Treatment includes antibiotics, symptomatic medications, and care of skin lesions. Lymphedema is a common complication of erysipelas since the lymph vessels can suffer from fibrosis process. Once established the lymphedema, it predisposes to new infection, given the richness of the protein edema, forming a vicious cycle.
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de Moura Vergara, R., Costa, R.H.R., de Oliveira Pinto, I.C., Machado, J.E.P., Ferreira, J.C.D. (2017). Lymphedema and Erysipelas. In: Navarro, T., Dardik, A., Junqueira, D., Cisneros, L. (eds) Vascular Diseases for the Non-Specialist. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46059-8_18
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