Can Lymphedema Make You Feel Sick? Understanding the Connection to Infection and Chronic Symptoms

October 1, 2025 •

2 min read

Patients with lymphedema are at a significantly higher risk of developing a serious bacterial skin infection called cellulitis, which can directly cause flu-like symptoms and a feeling of general malaise. This connection explains why many individuals with lymphedema report feeling unwell at various times.

Quick Summary

Lymphedema itself can cause chronic fatigue and pain, while the increased risk of bacterial skin infections like cellulitis often leads to fevers, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Untreated infections can spread and become life-threatening, making prompt treatment essential.

Key Points

Infection is the Primary Cause: The most acute and severe sickness in lymphedema is typically caused by a bacterial skin infection called cellulitis, which triggers flu-like symptoms.
Chronic Symptoms Cause Malaise: Even without infection, lymphedema can cause chronic fatigue, heaviness, and pain, leading to a persistent feeling of being unwell.
Recognize Cellulitis Warning Signs: Be vigilant for sudden redness, heat, spreading pain, and fever in the affected limb, which are indicators of a serious infection.
Poor Lymphatic Drainage Creates Risk: The buildup of protein-rich lymph fluid compromises the local immune response and provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
Systemic Effects Worsen Symptoms: Emerging research suggests lymphedema can trigger systemic inflammation and immune changes, which may contribute to a generalized feeling of sickness.
Management is Crucial for Prevention: Consistent adherence to Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), including skin care, compression, and exercise, is essential for reducing swelling and minimizing infection risk.
Mental Health Plays a Role: The psychological stress and frustration of living with a chronic condition can also contribute to feelings of being unwell.

The Direct Link: Lymphedema and Infection

One of the most concerning aspects of lymphedema is its strong predisposition to infection, particularly a bacterial skin infection known as cellulitis. The malfunctioning lymphatic system leads to a buildup of protein-rich fluid in the tissues, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. Even a minor break in the skin can allow bacteria like streptococcus or staphylococcus to enter. An infection can cause localized symptoms and systemic flu-like symptoms. Immediate medical attention and antibiotics are often required to prevent the infection from spreading.

Symptoms of cellulitis often include:

Sudden increase in swelling
Intense pain or tenderness
Rapidly spreading redness or change in skin color
Warmth in the affected area
Fever, chills, and body aches
Nausea or dizziness

Beyond Infection: Chronic Symptoms That Contribute to Feeling Unwell

Lymphedema's daily burden can also cause a persistent feeling of being unwell.

The impact of chronic lymphedema includes:

Chronic Fatigue: Many people with lymphedema experience persistent, unrelieved fatigue.
Heaviness and Aching: Fluid accumulation can cause a constant feeling of heaviness or tightness.
Restricted Mobility: Advanced lymphedema can limit joint movement and range of motion.
Psychological Distress: Living with a chronic condition can lead to depression, anxiety, and frustration.

Comparison: Standard Illness vs. Lymphedema-Related Sickness

Knowing the difference between a typical illness and lymphedema-related sickness can help in seeking proper care. Lymphedema-related sickness often involves specific signs in the affected limb.


Characteristic	Standard Flu/Viral Illness	Lymphedema-Related Sickness (Cellulitis)
Cause	Viral infection	Bacterial infection, with lymphedema as a factor
Primary Symptoms	Cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, fatigue	Localized redness, heat, pain in affected limb, with fever and chills
Affected Area	Systemic	Initially localized to lymphedematous area, can become systemic
Associated Signs	Respiratory symptoms	Skin breaks, increasing swelling, hardened skin
Risk Factors	Exposure to virus	Damaged lymphatic system, poor skin hygiene, skin breaks
Urgency of Care	Often managed at home	Requires immediate medical attention

Managing Symptoms to Prevent Feeling Sick

While there is no cure, effective management can reduce infection risk and minimize chronic symptoms. Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is often used.

Key management strategies:

Meticulous Skin Care: Keep skin clean and moisturized to prevent cracks where bacteria can enter.
Compression Therapy: Use compression garments or bandages to support lymphatic drainage.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): A specialized massage to stimulate lymph flow.
Exercise: Gentle exercise helps pump lymphatic fluid.
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce symptoms.
Infection Monitoring: Recognize early signs of cellulitis and seek immediate medical help.

Systemic Changes: A Broader Impact

Research suggests lymphedema can trigger inflammation and other systemic effects. These broader impacts may contribute to the generalized feeling of being unwell experienced by many.

Conclusion

Lymphedema can make you feel sick, both directly through infections like cellulitis and indirectly through chronic symptoms. Understanding the connection and implementing effective management strategies, such as diligent skin care, compression therapy, and promptly addressing infection signs, can significantly improve quality of life. The National Lymphedema Network offers valuable resources on managing the condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, cellulitis is a serious and urgent medical problem. If left untreated, the bacterial infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

The most common and severe cause of feeling sick with lymphedema is a secondary bacterial infection called cellulitis. The condition also causes chronic symptoms like fatigue and discomfort that contribute to a general feeling of malaise.

A key distinction is the location of the most prominent symptoms. A lymphedema-related infection will typically have localized signs in the affected limb, such as spreading redness, heat, and pain, alongside systemic flu-like symptoms. A standard flu is typically systemic without localized skin changes.

Yes, fatigue is a very common symptom of lymphedema. It is a persistent sense of exhaustion that can significantly interfere with daily activities and is not typically relieved by rest.

With lymphedema, a damaged lymphatic system cannot properly drain fluid, causing protein-rich lymph to pool in tissues. This fluid provides a fertile environment for bacteria, making the patient more vulnerable to infections through minor cuts or bites.

The best preventative measures include meticulous skin care, consistent use of compression garments or bandages, and immediate treatment of any skin breaks. Daily moisturizer use and careful hygiene are essential.

At this time, there is no cure for lymphedema. However, treatments are highly effective at managing symptoms, reducing swelling, and preventing the condition from worsening, which significantly improves quality of life.

Yes, lymphedema can have a significant psychological impact due to the physical changes and chronic nature of the condition. Many patients experience anxiety, depression, poor body image, and social avoidance, which further contribute to a feeling of being unwell.