Can erythromycin ointment be used for erysipelas?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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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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Dermatology
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Which is better for erysipelas, cephalosporin or penicillin?

Erysipelas is a relatively common inflammatory skin disease. After contracting erysipelas, penicillin is primarily used for treatment, with cephalosporins as a secondary option. Especially in severe cases, it is crucial to promptly visit the dermatology department of a hospital. Patients may receive intravenous anti-inflammatory medications. Dietarily, it is important to avoid overly stimulating and spicy foods, as well as foods that may cause inflammation. Rest is also important.

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Dermatology
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What foods are good to eat for erysipelas?

Erysipelas is usually caused by a bacterial infection in the lymphatic vessels. Infant patients should maintain a light and nutritious diet, avoiding irritant foods. Details are as follows: First, one can eat light and easily digestible foods, such as celery, which have the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. Patients can use these in moderation. Second, avoid spicy and greasy foods, strong tea, and coffee, all of which can be irritating. When the body is weak, it is advisable to avoid these. Similarly, lamb and leeks, which have a warming and tonifying effect, should also be used cautiously to prevent exacerbating the symptoms of erysipelas due to excessive internal heat. Third, consuming foods rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, such as fresh vegetables, lean meats, and eggs, can enhance the body's resistance and have an anti-disease effect.

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Dermatology
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What should I do if erysipelas recurs?

The likelihood of erysipelas relapse is very high. If erysipelas recurs, it indicates that there is another bacterial infection and the body's immune system is weak. Therefore, it is recommended to treat with anti-inflammatory drugs, which can be administered either by intravenous infusion or orally. At the same time, it is essential to enhance one's immunity. During the period of erysipelas illness, it is important to get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and eat nutritious foods.

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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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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.