How is erysipelas treated?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Erysipelas is mainly caused by a bacterial infection of the lymphatic system, resulting in lymphangitis, primarily affecting the superficial lymphatics of the skin's dermis. The common pathogen is Group A hemolytic streptococcus. For erysipelas, proactive anti-infection treatment is necessary, typically opting for penicillin-class antibiotics. For patients allergic to penicillin, other types of antibiotics such as cephalosporins or macrolide antibiotics can be considered. If there is significant local swelling and pain, magnesium sulfate can be used for local wet compresses to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine treatments can be considered, such as taking oral medications that clear heat and detoxify.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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The fastest method to treat erysipelas

The fastest and most effective method for the treatment of erysipelas is systemic medication. After a penicillin skin test, administer intravenous penicillin antibiotics. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, switch to clindamycin injections for intravenous infusion. The treatment course is around 10-14 days, and requires bed rest with elevation of the lower limbs. Examine whether the primary lesions are combined with tinea faciei or tinea pedis, avoid picking the nose and feet, which can cause skin trauma and other inducement factors, and enhance skin cleanliness. Apply magnesium sulfate injection solution externally to the affected area, and treat the symptoms of the primary lesions, such as applying ketoconazole cream to the lesions caused by tinea pedis. (Please follow medical advice when using medication.)

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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
Dermatology
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How is erysipelas treated?

Erysipelas is a relatively common disease in our clinical practice, characterized by an infection of the reticular lymphatic vessels. The onset of the disease is sudden and develops rapidly, primarily featuring redness, pain, and swelling of the lower limbs. The treatment of erysipelas first involves elevating the affected limb; it is essential to raise the lower limbs above the level of the heart. Subsequently, local wet compresses are applied, commonly using 50% magnesium sulfate. Finally, antibiotic treatment is administered, including intravenous injections of cephalosporins or penicillin-class drugs, along with fluid replenishment and anti-inflammatory treatment.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Erysipelas is caused by what?

Erysipelas is a common skin disease, generally caused by various reasons. Usually, patients with erysipelas have an underlying disease such as oral ulcers, rhinitis, or athlete's foot. Furthermore, erysipelas is caused by an infection of the skin's lymphatic network by hemolytic streptococcus. It is crucial to treat erysipelas promptly because the bacteria often infiltrate the lymphatic vessels, making the treatment more challenging than typical bacterial infections, and it is very prone to recurrence.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is erysipelas contagious?

Erysipelas is an acute inflammatory infection of the skin and lymphatic network, mainly caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection, commonly occurring in the lower limbs and face. Typically, it is not contagious by itself. In terms of treatment, patients should rest in bed, elevate the affected limb, and locally apply 50% magnesium sulfate solution for wet compresses, while using systemic antibacterial medications, such as intravenous penicillin drips. After local and systemic symptoms disappear, medication should continue for three to five days to prevent recurrence.