Erysipelas is caused by what?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on December 02, 2024
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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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erysipelas skin disease symptoms

Erysipelas is caused by hemolytic streptococcus. It commonly occurs on the dorsum of the foot, the lower leg, and the face, and is usually unilateral. The onset of the disease is generally acute, with typical skin symptoms mainly presenting as edematous erythema, with clear boundaries, tense and shiny surfaces. The skin lesions can rapidly expand outward, accompanied by various degrees of systemic toxic symptoms or lymph node enlargement. The condition often peaks within four to five days, and after subsiding, the affected skin areas may have mild pigmentation and desquamation.

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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.)

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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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Erysipelas Complications and Treatment

Erysipelas is a disease that can lead to several complications. First, erysipelas may cause nephritis, and it is suggested to use medications that treat nephritis. Second, erysipelas can also lead to subcutaneous abscesses. If a subcutaneous abscess occurs, in addition to anti-inflammatory treatments, it is suggested to combine this with incision and drainage. Third, erysipelas may also cause sepsis. If sepsis occurs, symptoms may become systemic, such as fever, chills, and high fever, requiring symptomatic treatment and active management.

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What Chinese medicine is used for erysipelas?

Erysipelas is mostly caused by bacterial infection of the lymphatic vessels. In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, treatment can involve the use of herbs that disperse wind, clear heat, and detoxify; herbs that clear heat, promote diuresis, and detoxify; and herbs that cool the blood, detoxify, clear the heart, and open the orifices. During the treatment of erysipelas, in addition to Chinese medicine, it is suggested to combine some Western medical treatments, which can lead to faster improvement. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)