Australian mum warns of red lines on child’s arm that can lead to serious infection: lymphangitis

Parents are warned to keep an eye out for deadly ‘red tracking lines’ on their children’s bodies – and if you see one head straight for the hospital

• A mum has warned parents to keep an eye out for red marks on their kid’s bodies
• The Australian mother shared images of red tracking lines on her child’s arms
• The lines are a sign infection from a bug bite is spreading to the lymph nodes
• If caught early, the infection can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics 
• However if undetected, it can lead to serious complications such as sepsis 

By Louise Allingham For Daily Mail Australia

An Australian mother has warned parents to keep an eye out for red marks on their child’s body that could be a sign of something more sinister. 

In a post to popular Facebook page Tiny Hearts Education the mum shared images of ‘red tracking lines’ that appeared on her young daughter’s arm caused by a mosquito bite.

The lines are a sign of lymphangitis which can spread quickly and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications including skin infections, bacteria in the blood, sepsis, and abscesses.   

An Australian mum has shared images of ‘red tracking lines’ that appeared on her young daughter’s arm caused by a mosquito bite that if left untreated could land her in hospital

‘See this red tracking line? This indicates that an infection is spreading and making its way to the lymphatic system,’ the post read. 

‘If it’s treated quickly, it will go away with the help of antibiotics. If left untreated, complications can occur, and the condition can become very serious.

‘This was caused by a mozzie bite and thankfully this little one’s mama knew exactly what she needed and within two hours she was on antibiotics.’ 

The red tracking lines start from the site of a bite, cut, scratch or infection and trace from the area to the nearest lymph gland. 

They may be faint or very visible, are tender to touch and in some cases can blister.  

‘So remember, if you notice a red tracking line aka lymphangitis, off to a doctor for urgent review and antis,’ the warning said. 

The lines are a sign of lymphangitis which can spread quickly and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications including skin infections, bacteria in the blood, sepsis, and abscesses

The post attracted hundreds of comments from parents thankful for the information as well as those sharing similar experiences.

‘We experienced exactly the same thing just a couple of days ago. An overnight stay in hospital and we are recovering well thankfully,’ one mum wrote. 

‘Ahhhhhh mozzies, don’t get me started. We always end up in the ED with boils or cellulitis,’ another shared. 

‘My little one had this from the tiniest little scratch on her finger, it tracked nearly half way up her arm in just a few hours,’ a third commented. 

‘Oh my. Had no idea. Thank you to everyone who shares their stories. Learning oh so much. So glad your precious is better now. Fab job mumma!’ said a fourth. 

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