In an Instagram post, a young mother posted a photo of a red line under her baby’s foot. This seemingly innocuous sign can actually alert to an infection of the lymphatic system.
- Lymphangitis is manifested by cutaneous signs which are accompanied by fever and severe pain in the infected area.
- Antibiotic treatment is usually prescribed to treat lymphangitis. In some cases, an alcoholic dressing is placed on the affected area to relieve the patient.
It’s not uncommon for parents to share tips or stories from their family life on social media. In a post published on Instagram, the creator of the account @jesuismaman_officiel released a photo showing a red line under her baby’s foot after a mosquito bite.
Lymphangitis, a serious inflammation of the lymphatic vessels
This seemingly benign line is actually lymphangitis, that is, inflammation of one or more lymphatic vessels. According to information from magic momthe young woman had read testimonials about this disease on Facebook, which allowed her to recognize it immediately in her 17-month-old son at the time.
See this post on Instagram
Lymphangitis is mainly caused by bacteria, especially streptococci. In rare cases, staphylococci can be responsible for this infection of the lymphatic system. Different factors can cause it such as a blood test, scraping an ulcer, a wound or an insect bite.
“I hope that this red line will once again warn other parents”
In the absence of treatment, lymphangitis can have serious consequences. In particular, it can spread to the heart and develop into sepsis. Thanks to testimonials published on social networks, the mother quickly took her child to the emergency room. “10 days of antibiotics for my son and a check-up on Tuesday at the hospital, looking to see if, by then, the line is not progressing. So, thank you to these mothers who had shared their story on the networks, because this publication had remained in the back of my mind. So, I hope that once again this red line will warn other parents”she assured.