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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Can erysipelas recur?

Erysipelas is a disease that can recur. Once erysipelas occurs, it should be taken seriously, especially in people with lowered immunity such as the elderly. If not treated promptly or if the condition is not taken seriously, it can lead to sepsis and endanger life. Frequent recurrences are called chronic recurrent erysipelas. Due to the repeated attacks of erysipelas, local secondary lymphedema occurs, and after elephantiasis forms, it becomes very difficult to completely cure. Therefore, patients infected with erysipelas should seek medical attention in a timely manner, follow the doctor's advice, and should not think that skin diseases are not serious and that merely applying ointment will suffice, as this can delay the condition and lead to serious complications.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What does it mean when erysipelas causes the skin to break and discharge fluid?

Erysipelas with ruptured skin and oozing fluid primarily occurs due to a lack of timely treatment after the onset of erysipelas. The surrounding skin becomes damaged and starts to discharge fluid, but this "flow" is not actual water; it is various liquids. This situation results from skin ruptures where inflammatory substances and pus slowly seep out, creating a flow of fluid. When erysipelas occurs, it is crucial to treat it proactively under the guidance of a doctor using anti-inflammatory medications. Locally, mupirocin ointment or fusidic acid cream can be applied. Oral medications can include erythromycin dispersible tablets and cephalosporin antibiotics, following the doctor's advice. (Medicate under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is erysipelas ointment generally available in pharmacies?

After suffering from erysipelas, the ointments chosen are generally available in pharmacies. Erysipelas is a bacterial infectious skin disease. Usually, some topical anti-inflammatory ointments can be chosen. These ointments are relatively common, so they are generally available in pharmacies. Therefore, after suffering from erysipelas, it is important to pay attention to personal hygiene, avoid scratching the affected area with hands to prevent further bacterial infections of the skin, and maintain a light diet.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What ointment is used for erysipelas?

Erysipelas is a common skin disease caused by an infection of hemolytic streptococcus, primarily infecting the lymphatic vessels. To treat erysipelas, it is recommended to use topical antibiotic ointments. It is important to maintain personal hygiene, avoid spicy and irritating foods, abstain from alcohol and smoking, get plenty of rest, avoid staying up late, and consume more soy products, vegetables, and fruits.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can erysipelas be incised and drained?

Erysipelas is different from many infectious diseases in that it should not be incised and drained. Clinically, it is contraindicated to perform incision and drainage on erysipelas because it is an inflammatory non-suppurative infection. As it does not suppurate, incision and drainage would not be effective and might even lead to secondary infections, worsening the condition. Therefore, not only is incision and drainage not recommended for erysipelas, but it is also contraindicated. The treatment of erysipelas should focus on anti-inflammatory methods, possibly involving oral or intravenous medication. (Please take medication under the guidance of a doctor.)