Erysipelas is caused by what?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on December 02, 2024
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Erysipelas is a common skin disease, generally caused by various reasons. Usually, patients with erysipelas have an underlying disease such as oral ulcers, rhinitis, or athlete's foot. Furthermore, erysipelas is caused by an infection of the skin's lymphatic network by hemolytic streptococcus. It is crucial to treat erysipelas promptly because the bacteria often infiltrate the lymphatic vessels, making the treatment more challenging than typical bacterial infections, and it is very prone to recurrence.

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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 is the incubation period for erysipelas?

Erysipelas has an incubation period, which is three to five days for most people, though it can be just a few hours for a few individuals. Usually, during the incubation period, which is before the onset of the disease, patients often experience some general symptoms such as fever and headaches. Therefore, if symptoms of the incubation period appear, it is important for the patient and their family to take them seriously, actively provide some treatment and management, and during the treatment period, it is necessary to rest, avoid overexertion, and prevent skin abrasions or injuries.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Which is better for erysipelas, cephalosporin or penicillin?

Erysipelas is a relatively common inflammatory skin disease. After contracting erysipelas, penicillin is primarily used for treatment, with cephalosporins as a secondary option. Especially in severe cases, it is crucial to promptly visit the dermatology department of a hospital. Patients may receive intravenous anti-inflammatory medications. Dietarily, it is important to avoid overly stimulating and spicy foods, as well as foods that may cause inflammation. Rest is also important.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How many days does it take for penicillin to take effect on erysipelas?

Erysipelas is treated with penicillin, generally requiring about ten days to take effect, and medication should not be discontinued even after ten days. This is because this period is just when the drug starts to work and relieve the disease; it still requires about another seven days of usage to completely fight the bacteria and avoid the possibility of recurrence. Erysipelas has a high recurrence rate, so it is crucial to ensure thorough treatment.