Erysipelas Complications and Treatment

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on December 28, 2024
00:00
00:00

Erysipelas is a disease that can lead to several complications. First, erysipelas may cause nephritis, and it is suggested to use medications that treat nephritis. Second, erysipelas can also lead to subcutaneous abscesses. If a subcutaneous abscess occurs, in addition to anti-inflammatory treatments, it is suggested to combine this with incision and drainage. Third, erysipelas may also cause sepsis. If sepsis occurs, symptoms may become systemic, such as fever, chills, and high fever, requiring symptomatic treatment and active management.

Other Voices

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 Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
36sec home-news-image

What causes erysipelas?

Erysipelas is an acute inflammation of the skin and reticular lymphatic vessels. The onset of erysipelas is due to hemolytic streptococci invading the skin and mucosal reticular lymphatic vessels through small wounds in the skin mucosa. Erysipelas commonly occurs on the lower limbs and face, progressing rather quickly, with seldom tissue necrosis, and a tendency for recurrent episodes. The local symptoms include patchy erythema, bright red color, lighter in the center, with clear and slightly raised edges.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
56sec home-news-image

How is erysipelas treated?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
1min 1sec home-news-image

The fastest method to treat erysipelas

The fastest and most effective method for the treatment of erysipelas is systemic medication. After a penicillin skin test, administer intravenous penicillin antibiotics. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, switch to clindamycin injections for intravenous infusion. The treatment course is around 10-14 days, and requires bed rest with elevation of the lower limbs. Examine whether the primary lesions are combined with tinea faciei or tinea pedis, avoid picking the nose and feet, which can cause skin trauma and other inducement factors, and enhance skin cleanliness. Apply magnesium sulfate injection solution externally to the affected area, and treat the symptoms of the primary lesions, such as applying ketoconazole cream to the lesions caused by tinea pedis. (Please follow medical advice when using medication.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
44sec home-news-image

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.)