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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Is erysipelas ointment generally available in pharmacies?

After suffering from erysipelas, the ointments chosen are generally available in pharmacies. Erysipelas is a bacterial infectious skin disease. Usually, some topical anti-inflammatory ointments can be chosen. These ointments are relatively common, so they are generally available in pharmacies. Therefore, after suffering from erysipelas, it is important to pay attention to personal hygiene, avoid scratching the affected area with hands to prevent further bacterial infections of the skin, and maintain a light diet.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
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.