What is the best medicine for erysipelas?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 12, 2024

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Erysipelas is an infectious disease that commonly affects the lower legs and face. Once erysipelas is diagnosed, penicillin is the recommended treatment. However, if there is an allergy to penicillin, cephalosporins or quinolones can be used as alternatives. Generally, intravenous infusion is necessary; oral administration alone is not effective. Intravenous medication is required to achieve the best anti-inflammatory treatment results.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

55sec

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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 Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

47sec

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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

41sec

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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

1min 17sec

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What medicine is good for erysipelas when taken orally?

Erysipelas is a bacterial skin disease involving the deeper layers of the skin, caused by Group A streptococcal infection. The bacteria can enter the body through minor wounds in the skin or mucous membranes, and the disease develops when the body's immune resistance is low. Erysipelas has a rapid onset, and its typical symptoms include edematous erythema with clear boundaries, a tense and shiny surface, and rapid expansion to the surrounding areas. There may also be swollen lymph nodes and varying degrees of systemic symptoms, with the condition typically peaking within four to five days. The primary treatment for erysipelas involves anti-inflammatory medications, namely antibiotics. Penicillin is commonly used; if there is an allergy to penicillin, alternatives like erythromycin, azithromycin, roxithromycin, levofloxacin, or ciprofloxacin can be used. Early, adequate, and effective antibiotic treatment can alleviate systemic symptoms, control the spread of inflammation, and prevent recurrence.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

51sec

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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.