Cellulitis or Another Condition?
Patient Profile: M31, height 5’10”, weight 155 lbs. To summarize briefly, I experienced flu-like symptoms for an entire week, culminating in a night of intense sweating and debilitating pain in my armpits. Accompanying this was a noticeable red rash and swollen lymph nodes. I sought medical attention at the emergency room, where the doctors diagnosed me with cellulitis. They prescribed doxycycline, and remarkably, the rash disappeared within a day. However, three weeks have now passed, and I still have seven swollen lymph nodes as confirmed by an ultrasound. The discomfort from these nodes has actually made my arm ache. While doxycycline successfully treated the rash, it hasn't resolved the issue with the lymph nodes, leaving me uncertain about whether this is actually cellulitis. Additionally, tests for Lyme disease showed an initial positive result, but later turned negative as I only had one reactive band. I can't help but feel concerned that this might be indicative of lymphoma. The largest lymph nodes measure roughly 2 cm in size and swelled rapidly, coinciding with the appearance of the rash.
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 5:30:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s completely understandable to feel concerned about your ongoing symptoms, especially after having experienced significant flu-like symptoms and the diagnosis of cellulitis. You’ve described a situation where the initial treatment worked well for your rash, but the persistent swollen lymph nodes and discomfort are causing you anxiety. Let's explore this further.
Main Points:
- Swollen lymph nodes can persist for various reasons after an infection, including cellular response to the initial infection.
- Your discomfort and concern regarding lymphoma are valid, but it’s essential to consider all possible explanations for the swollen lymph nodes.
Explanation:
Swollen lymph nodes may remain enlarged after an infection as the body continues to clear away any remnants of the pathogens or inflammation. Doxycycline effectively treated your cellulitis, which might explain the rapid improvement of the rash, but it could take longer for lymph nodes to return to their normal size due to residual inflammation.
The reactive bands in your Lyme disease test could suggest past exposure rather than an active infection, especially if the initial positive was clarified to be negative with further testing. Given the ongoing symptoms and your concern regarding lymphoma, it’s wise to consider both the effects of the earlier infection and the need for further evaluation.
Next Steps:
- Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on your lymph nodes—note if they change in size, number, or tenderness over the next few weeks.
- Self-Care for Discomfort: Consider gentle stretching and warm compresses on your arm to relieve discomfort from the swollen nodes.
- Document Your Concerns: Keep a symptom diary to track changes in the size of the lymph nodes and any new symptoms that may arise.
- Follow-Up Evaluations: Consult with your doctor about the persistence of enlarged lymph nodes. They may recommend repeat imaging or blood tests for a more definitive diagnosis. Don’t hesitate to share your concerns regarding lymphoma, as they can provide specific insights or tests if needed.
Remember, many conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes, and continued evaluation is the best course to ensure you receive appropriate care. Your concerns are valid, and it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to get to the root of the issue. If you have more questions or need further information, feel free to ask.
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