How long will it take for erysipelas to heal?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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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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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Can erysipelas patients be active and move around?

Whether someone with erysipelas can engage in physical activity depends on the severity and location of the erysipelas. If the erysipelas is on the leg and the condition is severe, it is advisable to rest in bed and avoid standing or moving around. However, if the erysipelas is mild and appears on the face, light activity is permissible. Once diagnosed with erysipelas, it is important to rest, improve nutrition, and actively treat the underlying condition to facilitate recovery. The precautions include the following: rest in bed to avoid fatigue and exposure to cold; and while treating the affected area, consider supportive physical therapies such as ultraviolet light or infrared radiation to accelerate the healing of the skin.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What department should I go to for erysipelas?

Patients with erysipelas can consult the surgical department, because the predisposing factors before the onset of erysipelas may include external otitis, surgical wounds, skin infections, etc. Moreover, after the onset of erysipelas, it may cause persistent hard edema, which necessitates surgical intervention. Secondly, patients can also see the department of infectious diseases, as erysipelas is an infectious disease. Lastly, patients with erysipelas can consult the dermatology department, because erysipelas is an infectious skin disease that belongs to lymphangitis.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can I eat wood ear mushrooms with erysipelas?

Patients with erysipelas can eat wood ear mushrooms, and it is recommended to consume more of this food because wood ear mushrooms belong to the vegetable category and contain a large amount of vitamins, fiber, and calcium, which are very helpful for the recovery from erysipelas and can also play a certain detoxifying effect. In addition to wood ear mushrooms, vegetables and fruits such as cabbage, seaweed, apples, oranges, and grapes are also beneficial for the recovery from erysipelas and can be consumed in larger amounts. Paying attention to one's lifestyle habits and bathing frequently can help with the recovery from erysipelas.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
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How to quickly reduce swelling from erysipelas?

Erysipelas, this skin disease especially prone to cause symptoms such as swelling of both lower limbs. To quickly reduce swelling, it is recommended to first use some anti-inflammatory drugs for wet compresses. Secondly, it is advised to elevate the affected limbs during treatment to help reduce swelling. Finally, avoid eating foods that may cause edema, and abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol during treatment.