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
1min 1sec home-news-image

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.

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

Can erysipelas heal on its own?

Erysipelas is a disease caused by bacterial infection, primarily by the erysipelas streptococcus. Generally, erysipelas is unlikely to heal on its own. Once infected with erysipelas, it indicates that our body's resistance is relatively low. It is recommended to eat more foods rich in vitamins and proteins during this time. You should avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, and consuming overly spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers, onions, ginger, and garlic. Also, try to avoid foods that might induce further issues, such as seafood, mangoes, etc.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
31sec home-news-image

Does erysipelas cause fever?

Erysipelas is a disease that can cause symptoms such as fever because it is a bacterial infectious disease. It may cause various systemic symptoms, including fever, chills, high temperature, and other cold-like symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to receive timely treatment after contracting erysipelas, using anti-inflammatory medications to eliminate the bacteria, enhancing one's resistance, and getting plenty of rest.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
55sec home-news-image

Can erysipelas recur?

Erysipelas is a disease that can recur. Once erysipelas occurs, it should be taken seriously, especially in people with lowered immunity such as the elderly. If not treated promptly or if the condition is not taken seriously, it can lead to sepsis and endanger life. Frequent recurrences are called chronic recurrent erysipelas. Due to the repeated attacks of erysipelas, local secondary lymphedema occurs, and after elephantiasis forms, it becomes very difficult to completely cure. Therefore, patients infected with erysipelas should seek medical attention in a timely manner, follow the doctor's advice, and should not think that skin diseases are not serious and that merely applying ointment will suffice, as this can delay the condition and lead to serious complications.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
36sec home-news-image

What causes erysipelas?

Erysipelas is an acute inflammation of the skin and reticular lymphatic vessels. The onset of erysipelas is due to hemolytic streptococci invading the skin and mucosal reticular lymphatic vessels through small wounds in the skin mucosa. Erysipelas commonly occurs on the lower limbs and face, progressing rather quickly, with seldom tissue necrosis, and a tendency for recurrent episodes. The local symptoms include patchy erythema, bright red color, lighter in the center, with clear and slightly raised edges.