PreMenstrual Breast Swelling

 

Premenstrual fluid retention can be experienced as bloating and breast swelling days before the cycle, peaking on the 1st day of bleeding. It is believed the primary factor for this is hormonal imbalance, with higher estradiol to progesterone. [3]

 

Although it is the lymphatic system, which is responsible for draining excess fluids from localised tissues and returning it to systemic circulation. If there is lymphatic impairment / congestion this subsequently encourages tissue swelling.

 

Bacterial Skin Infections

 

• Acne 

• Abscess 

• Cellulitis 

• Folliculitis

• Paronychia 

 

Bacterial skin infections such as acne, abscesses, cellulitis, folliculitis and paronychia are strongly influenced by the function of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic network plays a critical role in immune surveillance, transporting immune cells, clearing interstitial fluid, and regulating inflammatory responses. 

 

When lymphatic flow is impaired, inflammatory cytokines and cellular waste accumulate in the skin, weakening barrier integrity and increasing susceptibility to bacterial invasion. This creates a cycle where poor drainage allows bacteria and inflammatory mediators to persist, worsening infection severity and delaying recovery. Clinically, sluggish lymphatic function is often associated with recurrent bacterial infections, prolonged healing of wounds, and more severe local inflammation. [4][5][6]

 

Dermatitis + Contact Dermatitis

 

When the lymphatic system is congested or dysfunctional, it cannot properly drain allergens or immune cells from the skin. As a result, allergens and inflammatory mediators remain trapped in the tissue for longer. This creates a vicious cycle where antigen persistence and cytokine accumulation amplify local inflammation, leading to more swelling and redness, while the inability to efficiently clear these signals continues the dermatitis and encourages a slower resolution. 

 

This was further demonstrated in a controlled study on obese mice, where the lymphatic vessels were found to be fewer in number, structurally leaky, and exhibited reduced pumping capacity. As a result, these vessels were unable to effectively clear allergens and inflammatory cells from the skin. When exposed to a standard allergen challenge, the obese mice developed more intense contact dermatitis, characterized by greater swelling, redness, and accumulation of immune cells within the tissue. Moreover, the inflammatory response persisted for a longer duration, indicating that impaired lymphatic function not only amplifies the severity of skin inflammation but also delays its resolution. [51]

 

Eczema + Psoriasis 

 

In both psoriasis and eczema, the lymphatic network plays a critical role in resolving inflammation. So when the lymphatics become congested or dysfunctional, disease severity can increase. Research has demonstrated this clearly in psoriasis, where lymphatic vessels within plaques are often dilated, tortuous, and leaky, indicating impaired drainage and sustained inflammation. Histological studies also confirm reduced lymphatic clearance in psoriasis, whilst also demonstrating that enhancing lymphatic function or promoting new vessel growth markedly reduces swelling, immune infiltration, and epidermal overgrowth. [48][49][7]

 

Similarly, in eczema, poor lymphocyte counts, reduced lymphatic flow and vessel density contribute to the itching, inflammation, and delayed healing. Research has demonstrated that techniques such as Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), which stimulates lymphatic circulation, have been associated with symptomatic relief, including decreased itch and reduced medication use. [50]

Another large study 71,731 adults with eczema also revealed that lower circulating lymphocyte counts correlate with increasing disease severity, and heighten susceptibility to recurrent or prolonged flares. [8]

 

Rosacea + Swelling

 

• Persistent Facial Redness / Flushing

• Swelling around the eyes

 

In erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, a form of rosacea marked by persistent flushing and visible broken capillaries, research shows that the lymphatic vessels become significantly enlarged early in the disease, which points to impaired drainage. This reduced clearance means the skin cannot effectively remove inflammatory mediators, allowing chronic inflammation and flushing to take hold.

 

At the same time, neuroimmune factors such as neuropeptides have been found to alter how lymphatic vessels contract and pump fluid. When combined with other contributors such as mast cell activation, this further reduces lymphatic efficiency, creating a cycle of tissue swelling particularly after being sedentary. [53]

Chronic Joint or Muscular Pain, Swelling and Stiffness

 

• Chronic Myalgia / Muscle Pain

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis 

• Bursitis

• Fibromyalgia

• Tendonitis

• Gout

The lymphatic system is often compromised in chronic joint and muscle inflammatory disorders due to sustained tissue inflammation, vascular congestion, and fibrosis that obstruct normal lymph flow. This persistent cytokine activity alongside microvascular leakage, overloads the lymphatic vessels, reducing their ability to clear interstitial fluid and immune byproducts effectively. As a result, drainage efficiency declines, allowing inflammatory molecules to accumulate.

 

In individuals with pre-existing joint inflammation or chronic muscle pain, efficient lymphatic clearance is essential for removing these mediators from affected tissues. When this system becomes impaired, further  inflammatory substances build up locally, intensifying tissue irritation and exacerbating existing pain, swelling, and stiffness. This persistent accumulation also activates pain-sensing nerves (nociceptors) in a continuous loop, amplifying neural inflammation and heightening pain sensitivity within muscles and joints. [10]

 

Slow Wound Healing

 

Lymphatic congestion impairs wound healing by preventing the efficient removal of fluid, waste, and inflammatory mediators from injured tissue. This leads to persistent inflammation, reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery, and tissue edema, all of which delay epithelial repair and increase risk of wound infection. [13][14]

 

Cellulite - Dimpled skin

 

Disruption of lymphatic flow has been implicated as a contributing factor in the pathophysiology of cellulite, where impaired drainage leads to interstitial fluid retention and low-grade inflammation. These changes promote fibrous remodeling and uneven fat deposition, which clinically manifest as the characteristic dimpled appearance of the skin. 

 

Various clinical studies have demonstrated that enhancing lymphatic circulation through manual lymphatic drainage or other therapies supporting lymphatic vessel function, have been shown to significantly improve the appearance and severity of cellulite. [11][12][52]

 

Swelling of the Lower Extremities

 

Localized swelling of the calves, ankles and feet are commonly the result of excess lymphatic fluid accumulation within the interstitial tissues. This occurs when capillary filtration surpasses the lymphatic system’s drainage capacity, leading to fluid retention and visible edema in the lower extremities. [15]