How is erysipelas treated?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 06, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
51sec home-news-image

Can erysipelas patients be active and move around?

Whether someone with erysipelas can engage in physical activity depends on the severity and location of the erysipelas. If the erysipelas is on the leg and the condition is severe, it is advisable to rest in bed and avoid standing or moving around. However, if the erysipelas is mild and appears on the face, light activity is permissible. Once diagnosed with erysipelas, it is important to rest, improve nutrition, and actively treat the underlying condition to facilitate recovery. The precautions include the following: rest in bed to avoid fatigue and exposure to cold; and while treating the affected area, consider supportive physical therapies such as ultraviolet light or infrared radiation to accelerate the healing of the skin.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
33sec home-news-image

What vegetables are good to eat for erysipelas?

What to eat after erysipelas depends on the nature of the disease itself. Erysipelas is a skin disease caused by bacterial infection. Therefore, it is beneficial to eat more foods that clear heat and detoxify after contracting erysipelas, such as winter melon, pumpkin, bitter melon, leafy greens, and mung beans. Additionally, it is also good to consume more vegetables and fruits, such as watermelon and bananas, which are rich in vitamins.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
1min 1sec home-news-image

How long will it take for erysipelas to heal?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
34sec home-news-image

Erysipelas is caused by what?

The fundamental cause of erysipelas is mainly due to a streptococcal infection of the lymphatic vessels, causing acute non-purulent inflammation. Patients with erysipelas often may have underlying conditions such as athlete's foot, ulcers, or other infectious foci. Erysipelas is prone to develop secondary to ulcers, trauma, or some purulent infections, spreading directly from these primary diseases through the skin, mucous membranes, lymphatic channels, or hematogenous invasion.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Cui Lin Jing
Dermatology
1min 4sec home-news-image

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.