How is erysipelas treated?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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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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The difference between erysipelas and lymphangitis

Erysipelas and lymphangitis are two different diseases with significant differences. First, erysipelas is a skin disease caused by an infection of streptococcus bacteria. On the other hand, lymphangitis is usually caused by various parasites or microbes, including streptococcus or staphylococcus, and not just streptococcus as in the case of erysipelas. Secondly, the symptoms of erysipelas typically include general body symptoms, accompanied by skin redness and pain. In the case of lymphangitis, there is usually a red streak near a wound, and the color disappears when pressed. Therefore, both the causes and symptoms of erysipelas and lymphangitis are different.

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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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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What is the incubation period for erysipelas?

Erysipelas has an incubation period, which is three to five days for most people, though it can be just a few hours for a few individuals. Usually, during the incubation period, which is before the onset of the disease, patients often experience some general symptoms such as fever and headaches. Therefore, if symptoms of the incubation period appear, it is important for the patient and their family to take them seriously, actively provide some treatment and management, and during the treatment period, it is necessary to rest, avoid overexertion, and prevent skin abrasions or injuries.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Erysipelas anti-infection treatment methods

The most commonly used treatment method for erysipelas infection is penicillin (to be used under the guidance of a doctor). If the patient is not allergic to penicillin, it can be administered intravenously for significant effects. However, it is important to ensure that the treatment duration is sufficient, generally requiring medication for two weeks for better outcomes and to reduce recurrence, given that erysipelas is highly prone to recurrence. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, it is recommended to use alternative antibiotics such as clindamycin (to be used under the guidance of a doctor). Additionally, patients should minimize walking and elevate the affected limb during treatment.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
50sec home-news-image

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.