How is erysipelas treated?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Erysipelas is a relatively common disease in our clinical practice, characterized by an infection of the reticular lymphatic vessels. The onset of the disease is sudden and develops rapidly, primarily featuring redness, pain, and swelling of the lower limbs. The treatment of erysipelas first involves elevating the affected limb; it is essential to raise the lower limbs above the level of the heart. Subsequently, local wet compresses are applied, commonly using 50% magnesium sulfate. Finally, antibiotic treatment is administered, including intravenous injections of cephalosporins or penicillin-class drugs, along with fluid replenishment and anti-inflammatory treatment.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can erysipelas be treated with hot compresses?

After contracting erysipelas, it is generally not recommended to apply heat, as erysipelas is an inflammatory reaction caused by bacterial infection of the skin, and heat application may worsen the condition, especially if done without doctor's guidance. It could lead to a more serious condition. It is advised to visit a dermatologist promptly after getting erysipelas. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications. It is also suggested to boost one's immunity and consume a light diet rich in vitamins and proteins to aid in recovery. Additionally, it's important to rest frequently.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can erythromycin ointment be used for erysipelas?

The treatment of erysipelas is divided into topical medications and oral medications. When the condition is not very severe, it can be treated with some antibacterial topical medications, including erythromycin ointment. Erythromycin ointment can alleviate the pain and inflammation of redness and swelling. However, if erysipelas progresses to a more severe stage, using only erythromycin ointment is insufficient. It is necessary to use some oral anti-inflammatory medications for treatment, and the treatment course of oral anti-inflammatory medications is generally about two weeks.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How long will it take for erysipelas to heal?

The typical treatment duration for erysipelas is 10 to 14 days. If it is the first outbreak of erysipelas and the treatment is not timely or thorough, or if the treatment duration is insufficient, it is very susceptible to recurrent erysipelas. Treatment for recurrent erysipelas is more challenging, and it may take about three weeks for some people to recover. Especially in elderly patients with swelling in the lower limbs, it is difficult to completely reduce the swelling, which can lead to long-term conditions like elephantiasis. No matter how long any medication is administered, it cannot be completely eliminated, so it is crucial to start treatment gradually and by courses at the onset of the disease. Penicillin is the first choice of medication. For patients allergic to penicillin, cephalosporins or macrolide drugs are the alternatives.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What medicine is good to take when erysipelas is almost healed?

It is still necessary to continue taking anti-inflammatory medication even if erysipelas is nearly healed, as erysipelas is an inflammatory reaction caused by bacterial infection of the lymphatic vessels. If treated with anti-inflammatory medication, remember that it's important to complete the full course of treatment. If you stop taking some of the anti-inflammatory medication because the erysipelas seems nearly healed and the full course of treatment is not completed, there's a possibility that the erysipelas may recur, which would be counterproductive. Therefore, even if the erysipelas is nearly healed, it is still necessary to take anti-inflammatory medication. Additionally, apart from taking medication, it is important to eat foods rich in protein and vitamins to aid recovery.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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The fastest method to treat erysipelas

The fastest and most effective method for the treatment of erysipelas is systemic medication. After a penicillin skin test, administer intravenous penicillin antibiotics. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, switch to clindamycin injections for intravenous infusion. The treatment course is around 10-14 days, and requires bed rest with elevation of the lower limbs. Examine whether the primary lesions are combined with tinea faciei or tinea pedis, avoid picking the nose and feet, which can cause skin trauma and other inducement factors, and enhance skin cleanliness. Apply magnesium sulfate injection solution externally to the affected area, and treat the symptoms of the primary lesions, such as applying ketoconazole cream to the lesions caused by tinea pedis. (Please follow medical advice when using medication.)