Best treatment method for erysipelas

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Erysipelas is an inflammatory skin condition caused by infection with hemolytic streptococcus. It primarily presents with edematous erythema on the skin, which is clearly demarcated, surface tightness, burning sensation, accompanied by significant pain, and swelling of the local lymph nodes. The best treatment for erysipelas is the preferential use of systemic antibiotics, with penicillin as the first choice. Patients allergic to penicillin can be treated with erythromycin or azithromycin, in combination with topical applications, such as wet compresses with Isatis tinctoria solution or Mupirocin ointment. Additionally, it is important to elevate the affected limb regularly, and abscesses forming in the area may require incision and drainage.

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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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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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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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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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Erysipelas is a disease.

Erysipelas is a type of skin inflammation infection, primarily involving the superficial lymphatic vessels. There are several triggers for erysipelas, such as trauma, surgery, etc. Generally, erysipelas tends to show symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, etc. After contracting erysipelas, erythema often appears within a day, but the boundaries of the erythema are quite clear. Upon examination, an increase in skin temperature and skin tension can be observed. Erysipelas primarily occurs on the face or lower legs.