This appears as red painful subcutaneous streaks.

This appears as red painful subcutaneous streaks.

• A. Dermatitis
• B. Erythema nodosum
• C. Varicose veins
• D. Lymphangitis

Answer: (D)

Infection spreading through the lymphatic system causes lymphangitis, which presents with red, painful streaks that run along the lymphatic channels away from a primary skin infection. The streaks reflect inflamed lymphatics carrying bacteria toward regional lymph nodes. This linear, tender redness along the lines of lymphatic drainage is the hallmark feature. Dermatitis would be a more diffuse, often itchy inflammation of the skin, not linear lymphatic streaks. Erythema nodosum appears as tender red nodules under the skin (usually on the shins), not streaks. Varicose veins produce enlarged, tortuous veins rather than red streaks along lymphatics.

Infection spreading through the lymphatic system causes lymphangitis, which presents with red, painful streaks that run along the lymphatic channels away from a primary skin infection. The streaks reflect inflamed lymphatics carrying bacteria toward regional lymph nodes. This linear, tender redness along the lines of lymphatic drainage is the hallmark feature.

Dermatitis would be a more diffuse, often itchy inflammation of the skin, not linear lymphatic streaks. Erythema nodosum appears as tender red nodules under the skin (usually on the shins), not streaks. Varicose veins produce enlarged, tortuous veins rather than red streaks along lymphatics.