The exact type of treatment depends on what type of infection has spread into your lymph nodes.
Fluid that drains from the nodes to the skin.Nodes that are filled with pus (an abscess).Redness or red streaking of the skin over nodes.Symptoms caused by an infected lymph node or group of nodes may include: The main symptom of lymphadenitis is enlarged lymph nodes. A lymph node is considered enlarged if it is about one-half inch wide. When lymph nodes become infected, it's usually because an infection started somewhere else in your body. Lymphadenitis occurs when one or more lymph nodes are infected by a bacteria, a virus, or a fungus. This type of lymph node infection occurs in two or more lymph node groups and may be caused by an infection that spreads through the bloodstream or another illness that affects the whole body. For example, nodes enlarged because of a tonsil infection may be felt in the neck area. Localized lymphadenitis involves one or just a few nodes that are close to the area where the infection started. It is important to learn how the infection spread into your lymph nodes so that the right treatment can be started. Infections that spread to lymph nodes are usually caused by bacteria, a virus, or a fungus. When lymph nodes become infected, they usually increase in size, become tender, and may be felt in other areas of your body during a physical exam. You have about 600 lymph nodes in your body, but normal lymph nodes may only be felt below your jaw, under your arms, and in your groin area.Ī normal lymph node is small and firm. Rarely, lymph nodes can enlarge due to cancer. Lymph nodes are filled with white blood cells that help your body fight infections. Lymphadenitis is the medical term for enlargement in one or more lymph nodes, usually due to infection.