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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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 Cui Lin Jing
Dermatology
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What is erysipelas and is it contagious?

Erysipelas is an inflammation of the skin and lymphatic vessels caused by bacterial infection, commonly occurring in the summer and autumn seasons. It frequently occurs on the face and lower legs, with rhinitis and athlete's foot being the most common triggers. This is due to bacteria infecting the lymphatic vessels through minor wounds. Initially, the lesions are clearly defined, edematous, bright red patches with distinct edges, shiny surface, and increased skin temperature in the affected area. Occasionally, blisters or large blisters may appear, accompanied by spontaneous pain or tenderness and local lymph node enlargement. Erysipelas is not contagious and is quite sensitive to antibiotic treatment. The preferred treatment is penicillin for a duration of two weeks. Since erysipelas is prone to recurrence, it is crucial that the treatment course is sufficient.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What department should I go to for erysipelas?

Patients with erysipelas can consult the surgical department, because the predisposing factors before the onset of erysipelas may include external otitis, surgical wounds, skin infections, etc. Moreover, after the onset of erysipelas, it may cause persistent hard edema, which necessitates surgical intervention. Secondly, patients can also see the department of infectious diseases, as erysipelas is an infectious disease. Lastly, patients with erysipelas can consult the dermatology department, because erysipelas is an infectious skin disease that belongs to lymphangitis.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can erysipelas be completely cured?

Erysipelas is curable. As a common skin disease, erysipelas is mainly caused by bacterial infection of the lymphatic vessels, leading to an inflammatory skin condition that requires timely anti-inflammatory treatment. Anti-inflammatory treatment involves killing the bacteria, and the duration of treatment must be sufficient to cure it completely. Moreover, erysipelas is recurrent, meaning if the erysipelas heals and then the body's immunity weakens again, it could potentially lead to reinfection by bacteria. Therefore, it is crucial to treat erysipelas promptly.

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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.