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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Cellulitis and Lymphedema?

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The main difference between cellulitis and lymphedema lies in their causes and symptoms. Here are the key distinctions between the two conditions:

Cellulitis:

  • Caused by bacterial infections, such as streptococcus and staphylococcus.
  • Affects the deep layers of the skin, causing redness, swelling, and pain.
  • Often results from an injury, insect bite, or other skin trauma.
  • Can sometimes cause lymphedema.

Lymphedema:

  • Caused by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in tissues, due to the lymphatic system not functioning properly.
  • Results in swelling, heaviness, and discomfort, usually in the arms or legs.
  • Can develop as a side effect of cancer treatments, surgery, radiation therapy, trauma, infection, obesity, or heart and kidney conditions.
  • Makes individuals more vulnerable to infections, such as cellulitis.

While both conditions can lead to swelling in the body, lymphedema is specifically related to the lymphatic system's dysfunction, whereas cellulitis is an infection of the deep layers of the skin. Additionally, cellulitis can sometimes cause or worsen lymphedema.

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  • What is the Difference Between Cellulitis and Lymphedema?
  • Comparative Table: Cellulitis vs Lymphedema

    • Comparative Table: Cellulitis vs Lymphedema

    The main difference between cellulitis and lymphedema lies in their causes and manifestations. Here is a table comparing the two conditions:

    Feature Cellulitis Lymphedema
    Definition Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the tissue beneath the skin, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Lymphedema is a condition that causes tissue swelling due to the accumulation of lymph fluid.
    Causes Cellulitis is caused by bacterial infections, such as streptococcus and staphylococcus. Lymphedema is caused by factors such as cancer, breast cancer surgery, pelvic surgery, radiation therapy, trauma, infection, obesity, lack of activity, heart conditions like congestive heart failure, blood vessel issues, or kidney disease.
    Symptoms Redness, swelling, and pain in areas of the skin. Swelling in the affected area, which may be accompanied by discomfort, numbness, or a feeling of heaviness.
    Diagnosis Physical examination, less commonly laboratory tests or imaging studies. Physical examination, which may be followed by further testing to determine the extent of the condition.
    Treatment Antibiotics are the primary treatment for cellulitis. Treatment involves specialized therapies to manage and reduce lymphedema, as well as addressing the underlying cause if possible.
    Prevention Steps include maintaining good hygiene, avoiding cuts or scrapes, and not sharing personal items that may carry bacteria. Prevention may involve measures such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and protecting the affected area from cuts, scrapes, or infection.

    Both conditions can predominantly affect the arms and legs and may be caused by infections. They can also be diagnosed through physical examinations and are treated through medications like antibiotics and specific therapies.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.