How is erysipelas treated?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on August 31, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
59sec home-news-image

What is the cause of erysipelas infection?

Erysipelas is a superficial lymphatic infection induced by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus infection, often entering through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. Athlete's foot and dermatitis are often the main causes of erysipelas on the lower legs and face. Malnutrition, excessive drinking, and scratching can also trigger the disease. Clinically, erysipelas manifests as well-demarcated edematous bright red patches on the lower legs or face, with a tense and shiny surface that can even form blisters. The local skin temperature is elevated, and there is tenderness and pressure pain, often accompanied by fever, a burning pain sensation, and nearby lymph nodes may be enlarged.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
42sec home-news-image

What is the incubation period for erysipelas?

Erysipelas has an incubation period, which is three to five days for most people, though it can be just a few hours for a few individuals. Usually, during the incubation period, which is before the onset of the disease, patients often experience some general symptoms such as fever and headaches. Therefore, if symptoms of the incubation period appear, it is important for the patient and their family to take them seriously, actively provide some treatment and management, and during the treatment period, it is necessary to rest, avoid overexertion, and prevent skin abrasions or injuries.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
34sec home-news-image

Erysipelas is caused by what?

The fundamental cause of erysipelas is mainly due to a streptococcal infection of the lymphatic vessels, causing acute non-purulent inflammation. Patients with erysipelas often may have underlying conditions such as athlete's foot, ulcers, or other infectious foci. Erysipelas is prone to develop secondary to ulcers, trauma, or some purulent infections, spreading directly from these primary diseases through the skin, mucous membranes, lymphatic channels, or hematogenous invasion.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
34sec home-news-image

Can you eat duck meat with erysipelas?

Patients with erysipelas can eat duck meat. After contracting erysipelas, it is very important to follow dietary restrictions, but duck meat, being rich in protein, is permissible and is not considered a food that exacerbates the condition. However, it is crucial to avoid smoking, alcohol, and other inflammatory foods during this period. Such foods include beef, lamb, seafood, and spicy or stimulating foods like onions, ginger, garlic, spicy hot pot, and barbecue.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
52sec home-news-image

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.