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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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How many days can erysipelas be cured?

Erysipelas, after being infected, generally takes about how long to recover greatly depends on the patient’s individual constitution and whether they receive proactive treatment. If the patient has a strong immune system and actively undergoes anti-inflammatory and anti-infection treatments, generally speaking, it can improve within 2 to 3 weeks. However, if the patient's immune resistance is low and they do not actively engage in anti-inflammatory and anti-infection treatments, then the recovery time could be significantly longer, possibly even taking several months.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How to eliminate erysipelas swelling in the leg?

After suffering from erysipelas, if symptoms of leg swelling occur, it is recommended to first elevate the affected limb, which can help reduce the swelling. Furthermore, it is advisable to use some anti-swelling topical medications for wet compresses, which can help quickly alleviate the swelling in the leg. Finally, it is recommended to avoid intense exercise usually and to rest during the occurrence of leg swelling symptoms. Appropriate massage can be performed, and it is crucial to treat the primary disease, which is erysipelas, and control the inflammation.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What medicine is good for erysipelas when taken orally?

Erysipelas is a bacterial skin disease involving the deeper layers of the skin, caused by Group A streptococcal infection. The bacteria can enter the body through minor wounds in the skin or mucous membranes, and the disease develops when the body's immune resistance is low. Erysipelas has a rapid onset, and its typical symptoms include edematous erythema with clear boundaries, a tense and shiny surface, and rapid expansion to the surrounding areas. There may also be swollen lymph nodes and varying degrees of systemic symptoms, with the condition typically peaking within four to five days. The primary treatment for erysipelas involves anti-inflammatory medications, namely antibiotics. Penicillin is commonly used; if there is an allergy to penicillin, alternatives like erythromycin, azithromycin, roxithromycin, levofloxacin, or ciprofloxacin can be used. Early, adequate, and effective antibiotic treatment can alleviate systemic symptoms, control the spread of inflammation, and prevent recurrence.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How many days does it take for penicillin to take effect on erysipelas?

Erysipelas is treated with penicillin, generally requiring about ten days to take effect, and medication should not be discontinued even after ten days. This is because this period is just when the drug starts to work and relieve the disease; it still requires about another seven days of usage to completely fight the bacteria and avoid the possibility of recurrence. Erysipelas has a high recurrence rate, so it is crucial to ensure thorough treatment.

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Dermatology
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What medicine should be taken for erysipelas?

Erysipelas belongs to capillary lymphangitis, mainly caused by infection with hemolytic streptococcus. It mainly presents as pain in the lower leg and the appearance of red streaks on the lower leg, which can be accompanied by local swelling. If left untreated, it can potentially lead to sepsis. Once erysipelas is diagnosed, if medication is recommended, anti-inflammatory drugs such as penicillin can be taken. It is best to treat with intravenous penicillin for more than 7 days. After the symptoms of erysipelas have completely disappeared, it is advisable to continue using the medication for about 3 days, after which medication can be stopped. During the treatment period, it is necessary to avoid alcohol and refrain from consuming spicy and stimulating foods. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor, and do not self-medicate blindly.)