Diabetic erysipelas. How to treat erysipelas of the leg at home

Erysipelas infection - contagious disease, in which the skin on the face, scalp, hands is affected. It is dangerous for others, but it also gives the patient painful symptoms, psychological discomfort. Worse when the inflammation touches the legs. The patient is not always able to move without assistance. Erysipelatous inflammation of the leg requires an immediate visit to the surgeon. Only in case early diagnosis possible rapid healing. Severe cases require hospitalization.

What is an erysipelas on a leg

Erysipelas is an infectious skin disease that has clear boundaries and a bright red color at the site of the lesion. The causative agent is the bacterium streptococcus. It exists in the environment. If you got a leg injury, just a scratch or you were bitten by an insect, - through damage to the skin, streptococcus enters the body - infection occurs. When you have a weakened immune system, erysipelas will develop very quickly. People who work outdoors often fall ill: builders, workers Agriculture. According to the international classifier ICD-10, erysipelas has the number A46.

Streptococcus can remain in the body after illnesses, such as chronic streptococcal tonsillitis or caries. If you have a strong immune system, you can live with bacteria long years and not get sick. Erysipelatous disease can begin after stress, a sharp temperature drop. The provocateur of the inflammatory process is sunburn or hypothermia. Provoke erysipelas infection of the disease:

foot fungus;
thrombophlebitis;
diabetes;
phlebeurysm;
obesity;
violations of lymphatic drainage;
allergy.

Symptoms of the disease

Erysipelatous inflammation of the leg begins suddenly. On initial stage the temperature rises sharply, weakness, muscle pain appear. Redness, swelling appear on the skin. The lesion rapidly increases in size. In severe forms, confusion, convulsions appear. The patient loses consciousness, may faint. The course of the disease is characterized by:

sensation of heat, fullness;
enlarged lymph nodes;
soreness, itching;
nausea;
bowel problems;
burning sensation.

Causes of the disease

To start erysipelas there are many reasons. special role play violations skin as a result of trauma to the limbs, insect bites. A small abrasion and microcracks are enough for streptococcus bacteria to enter, disease-causing. One of the reasons - professional factor. The disease occurs in people who work in chemical plants. Provoking action - long walking in rubber shoes. At the same time, mechanics, miners, people working in metallurgy get sick.

Causes erysipelas can be:

purulent and viral infections- the infection enters through the opened vesicles;
allergic diseases skin - bacteria penetrate through the places of combing;
metabolic disorders;
decreased immunity;
oncology;
disease internal organs;
taking drugs that reduce immune defense;
ENT diseases;
stress;
elderly age the patient;
violation of blood flow in the lower extremities;
drinking alcohol, smoking.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis of erysipelas of the leg begins with a survey of the patient. It turns out how the disease began, how long it lasts, what are the symptoms. Next, the diseased limb is examined for compliance with the signs of the disease. If they are not pronounced, for clarification, a blood test is done for the presence of infection. If necessary, consult with a dermatologist and an infectious disease specialist. In a controversial situation, histological examination infected tissues.

Is erysipelas contagious

Erysipelatous disease is contagious, it can be transmitted through contact with sick people. If such a diagnosis is in a person close to you and care is required for him, precautions must be taken. For procedures, use gloves. Be sure to wash your hands with soap after contact. Provide the patient with separate dishes, linen.

Treatment of erysipelas of the skin at home

If you ask for help in time, then it is possible quick cure erysipelas. It is produced at home, and only severe cases require hospitalization. The doctor prescribes the method of treatment - he determines the necessary drugs and means of recovery. How to treat erysipelas on the leg? Because it infection It all starts with taking antibiotics. Next is assigned:

drugs to eliminate the symptoms of the disease;
physiotherapy;
the use of lotions, compresses;
application of ointments, creams;
baths;
powders;
treatment folk remedies.

Medically

With erysipelas, it is required to start treatment on time. All doctor's instructions must be followed. In advanced cases, the appearance of non-healing trophic ulcers. To treat the infection, antibiotics are used, which are taken in the form of tablets and injections. Great importance is given to the fight against symptoms, therefore drugs are prescribed:

"Claritin", which relieves itching;
"Nurofen", lowering the temperature, reducing inflammation;
"Hypothiazid", which removes excess liquid that relieves intoxication;
"Prodigiosan", supporting immunity;
vitamin complexes.

Antibiotics

If the disease is mild, a weekly course of antibiotics in tablets is prescribed. These can be drugs: "Azithromycin", "Erythromycin", "Sparamycin". Antibiotics are selected so that they act on the streptococcus that caused erysipelas. If the selected drug does not fit, another one is tried after ten days. For better impact appoint intravenous administration antibiotics. In severe cases, in stationary conditions, apply "Benzylpenicillin". Treatment takes place strictly under the supervision of a doctor.

Ointment for skin inflammation

In the treatment of erysipelas of the skin on early stages ointments are not used. They are used in the vesicular form of the disease. Effective in this case Ichthyol ointment”, which acts as an antiseptic, promotes disinfection. "Vishnevsky's ointment" helps in the treatment of chronic infections. At the stage of recovery, the use of Naftalan ointment gives excellent results.

Folk remedies

When treating erysipelas of the leg with the help of folk remedies, agreement with the attending physician is required - independence leads to complications. As a compress, grated potatoes are used, laid in a thick layer. It is recommended to use fresh leaves of burdock or cabbage, you should:

wash them;
beat off until juice is released;
tie to a sore spot.

Medicinal properties are attributed to the effect of a red rag - it is recommended to do a dressing after applying a compress. It is advised to try powdered chalk powder - it is left overnight. Helps treatment vegetable oil, which should be boiled in a water bath for 5 hours. They lubricate the wound and sprinkle with crushed Streptocide. The compress is left overnight.

Which doctor treats erysipelas

If you find signs of erysipelas in your leg, you need to see a surgeon. The disease, which was detected at the initial stage, is treated in outpatient settings. Complex and severe forms of the disease are treated in a hospital. In doubtful cases, when the diagnosis is ambiguous, you may need to consult a dermatologist. If a child has erysipelas, an infectious disease specialist is involved in the healing.

With erysipelas, both limbs are often affected.

The word erysipelas comes from the French word rouge, which means red.
In terms of prevalence in the modern structure of infectious pathology, erysipelas occupies the 4th place - after acute respiratory and intestinal infections, viral infections are especially often recorded in older age groups. From 20 to 30 years old, erysipelas mainly affects men, whose professional activities are associated with frequent microtraumatization and contamination of the skin, as well as with sudden changes in temperature. These are drivers, loaders, builders, military men, etc. In the older age group, most of the patients are women. Erysipelatous inflammation usually appears on the legs and arms, less often on the face, even more rarely on the trunk, in the perineum and on the genitals. All these inflammations are clearly visible to others and cause the patient a feeling of acute psychological discomfort.

Cause of the disease

The cause of the disease is the penetration of streptococcus through the damaged by scratches, abrasions, scuffs, diaper rash, etc. skin.

About 15% of people can be carriers of this bacterium, but do not get sick. Because for the development of the disease, it is necessary that certain risk factors or predisposing diseases are also present in the life of the patient.

Provoking factors:

Violations of the integrity of the skin (abrasions, scratches, injections, abrasions, scratches, diaper rash, cracks);
- a sharp change in temperature (both hypothermia and overheating);
- ;
- insolation (sunburn);
- bruises, injuries.

Very often, erysipelas occurs against the background of predisposing diseases: foot fungus, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, obesity, varicose veins, lymphostasis (problems with the lymphatic vessels), foci of chronic streptococcal infection (with facial erysipelas, tonsillitis, otitis media, sinusitis, caries, periodontitis; with erysipelas of limbs thrombophlebitis, chronic somatic diseases that reduce overall immunity (more often in old age).

Streptococci are widely distributed in nature, relatively resistant to conditions external environment. A sporadic increase in the incidence is observed in the summer-autumn period,
The source of infection in this case are both sick and healthy carriers.

Signs characteristic of erysipelas

The clinical classification of erysipelas is based on the nature of local changes (erythematous, erythematous-bullous, erythematous-hemorrhagic, bullous-hemorrhagic), on the severity of manifestations (mild, moderate and severe), on the frequency of occurrence of the disease (primary, recurrent and repeated) and on the prevalence of local lesions of the body (localized - limited, widespread).

The disease begins acutely with the appearance of chills, general weakness, muscle pain, in some cases - nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate, as well as an increase in body temperature up to 39.0-40.0 ° C, in severe cases there may be delirium, irritation meninges. After 12-24 hours from the moment of the disease, local manifestations of the disease join - pain, redness, swelling, burning and a feeling of tension in the affected area of the skin. The local process with erysipelas can be located on the skin of the face, trunk, limbs and, in some cases, on the mucous membranes.

At erythematous erysipelas the affected area of the skin is characterized by an area of redness (erythema), swelling and soreness. Erythema has a uniformly bright color, clear boundaries, a tendency to peripheral spread and rises above the skin. Her edges irregular shape(in the form of notches, "tongues of flame" or other configuration). Subsequently, peeling of the skin may appear at the site of erythema.

Erythematous bullous form the disease begins in the same way as erythematous. However, after 1-3 days from the moment of the disease, at the site of erythema, detachment of the upper layer of the skin occurs and blisters of various sizes are formed, filled with transparent contents. In the future, the bubbles burst and in their place are formed Brown crusts. After their rejection, a young woman is visible soft skin. In some cases, erosions appear at the site of the blisters, which can transform into trophic ulcers.

Erythematous-hemorrhagic form of erysipelas proceeds with the same manifestations as erythematous. However, in these cases, against the background of erythema, hemorrhages appear in the affected areas of the skin.

Bullous-hemorrhagic erysipelas has almost the same manifestations as the erythematous-bullous form of the disease. The only difference is that the blisters formed during the disease at the site of erythema are not filled with transparent, but with hemorrhagic (bloody) contents.

Light form erysipelas is characterized by short-term (within 1-3 days), relatively low (up to 39.0 ° C) body temperature, moderate intoxication (weakness, lethargy) and erythematous skin lesions in one area. The moderate form of erysipelas occurs with a relatively long (4-5 days) and high (up to 40.0 ° C) body temperature, severe intoxication (sharp general weakness, strong headache, anorexia, nausea, etc.) with extensive erythematous, erythematous-bullous, erythematous-hemorrhagic lesions of large areas of the skin. A severe form of erysipelas is accompanied by prolonged (more than 5 days), very high (40.0 ° C and above) body temperature, severe intoxication with impaired mental status patients (confusion, delirious state - hallucinations), erythematous-bullous, bullous-hemorrhagic lesions of large areas of the skin, often complicated by common infectious lesions(, pneumonia, infectious-toxic shock, etc.).

Recurrent erysipelas are considered to have occurred within 2 years after primary disease at the previous site of injury. Repeated erysipelas develops more than 2 years after the previous disease.

Recurrent erysipelas is formed after primary erysipelas due to inadequate treatment, the presence of adverse concomitant diseases ( varicose disease veins, mycoses, diabetes mellitus, chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, etc.), the development of immune deficiency.

Complications

If left untreated, the patient is at risk of complications from the kidneys and of cardio-vascular system(rheumatism, nephritis, myocarditis), but can also be specific to erysipelas: ulcers and skin necrosis, abscesses and phlegmon, impaired lymphatic circulation, leading to elephantiasis. (slow) action, preventing streptococcus from multiplying in the body. These medicines should be taken for a long time from 1 month to a year. But only a doctor can decide on the need for such treatment.

What can your doctor do?

Treat erysipelas, like any other infectious disease, with antibiotics. light form outpatient, moderate and severe in the hospital. In addition to drugs, physiotherapy is used: UVI (local ultraviolet irradiation), UHF (high frequency current), therapy with lasers operating in the infrared light range, exposure to weak electric current discharges.

The amount of treatment is determined only by the doctor.

What can you do?

When the first signs appear, you should consult a doctor. It is impossible to delay treatment in order to avoid serious complications.

Description:

Erysipelas or erysipelas is a serious infectious disease, external manifestations which is a lesion (inflammation) of the skin of a hemorrhagic nature, an increase in temperature and the phenomena of endotoxicosis.
The name of the disease comes from the French word rouge, which translates as "red".
Erysipelas is a very common infectious disease, statistically ranked 4th, second only to intestinal infections and infectious hepatitis. Erysipelas is most often diagnosed in patients of older age groups. At the age of 20 to 30 years, erysipelas is mainly affected by men, whose professional activities are associated with frequent microtraumatization and contamination of the skin, as well as with sudden changes in temperature. These are drivers, loaders, builders, military men, etc. In the older age group, most of the patients are women. Localization of erysipelas is quite typical - in most cases, inflammation develops on the skin of the upper and lower extremities, less often on the face, even less often on the trunk, in the perineum and on the genitals. All these inflammations are clearly visible to others and cause the patient a feeling of acute psychological discomfort.
The erysipelas are ubiquitous. Its incidence in various climatic zones of our country is 12-20 cases per 10 thousand people per year. At present, the percentage of erysipelas in newborns has significantly decreased, although earlier this disease had a very high mortality rate.

Causes of occurrence:

Pathogen erysipelas is beta-hemolytic streptococcus of group A, which can be in the human body in active and inactive, the so-called L-form. This type of streptococcus is very resistant to action. environment, however, it dies when heated to 56 C for half an hour, which has great importance in antiseptic. Beta-hemolytic streptococcus is a facultative anaerobe, i.e. may exist in oxygen conditions and in an oxygen-free environment.
If a person suffers from any disease streptococcal etiology, or simply is a carrier of this microorganism in any form, it can become a source of infection. According to statistics, about 15% of people are carriers of streptococcus of this type, while they do not have any clinical signs of the disease. The main route of transmission of the pathogen is contact-household. Infection occurs through damaged skin - in the presence of abrasions, abrasions, etc. Less significant role in the transmission of infection, it has an airborne route of transmission (especially when erysipelas occurs on the face). Patients are slightly contagious.

The occurrence of erysipelas infection is facilitated by predisposing factors, for example, persistent violations of lymph circulation, prolonged exposure to the sun, chronic venous insufficiency, fungal skin diseases, stress factor. Erysipelas is characterized by summer-autumn seasonality.
Very often, erysipelas occurs against the background of concomitant diseases: foot fungus, alcoholism, lymphostasis (problems with lymphatic vessels), foci of chronic streptococcal infection (with erysipelas of the face,; with erysipelas of the extremities,), chronic somatic diseases that reduce overall immunity (more often in old age ).

Pathogenesis:

Primary, repeated (with a different localization of the process) and recurrent erysipelas are classified. According to its pathogenesis, primary and repeated erysipelas are acute streptococcal infections. The exogenous nature of the infection and the cyclic course are characteristic. infectious process. These pathogens are located in the lymphatic capillaries of the papillary and reticular layers of the dermis, where there is a focus of infectious-allergic inflammation of a serous or serous-hemorrhagic nature. Immunopathological processes play a significant role in the implementation of inflammation with the formation immune complexes in the dermis, incl. and perivascular. Recurrent erysipelas is a chronic streptococcal infection, with the formation of characteristic endogenous foci in the skin and regional lymph nodes. At the same time, mixed infection of the body of patients with bacterial and L-form streptococcus is observed. The L-form persists for a long time in the interrecurrent period of the disease in skin macrophages and organs of the macrophage system. With recurrent erysipelas, there is severe violation immune status patients, their sensitization and autosensitization.
It was also noticed that erysipelas most often occurs in people with III (B) blood group. Obviously, the genetic predisposition to erysipelas reveals itself only in old age (more often in women), against the background of repeated sensitization to group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus and its cellular and extracellular products (virulence factors) under certain pathological conditions, including those associated with involutional processes.

Symptoms:

The nature clinical manifestations erysipelas is divided into several forms:
- erythematous
- erythematous bullous
- erythematous hemorrhagic
- bullous-hemorrhagic form.

The incubation period is from several hours to 3-5 days.
According to the severity of the disease, mild, moderate, severe form. Most often, the inflammatory process manifests itself on the lower extremities, less often - on the face, upper extremities, very rarely - in the trunk, genitals. The onset of the development of the disease is acute, there is a feeling of heat, general weakness, muscle pain. There is a critical increase in the patient's body temperature to fibril figures - 38-39.5 °. Often, the onset of the disease is accompanied by and. Very often, the described phenomena develop a day before skin manifestations.
The main symptom of erysipelas is skin manifestations in the form of erythema with clearly demarcated from unaffected skin. jagged edges in the form of a sinuous line, arcs and tongues, which are often compared to "tongues of flame."

For erythematous erysipelas, the presence of a peripheral roller in the form of a raised edge of erythema is characteristic. The skin in the area of erythema has a bright red color, with palpation of pain is usually insignificant, mainly along the periphery of the erythema. The skin is tense, hot to the touch. At the same time, swelling of the skin is characteristic, which extends beyond the limits of erythema. It is noted regional.

With erythematous bullous erysipelas against the background of erythema, blisters (bulls) appear. Contents bull - transparent yellowish liquid.
With erythematous-hemorrhagic erysipelas, hemorrhages occur different sizes- from punctate to extensive and confluent, extending to the entire erythema. The blisters contain hemorrhagic and fibrinous exudate, however, they may also contain predominantly fibrinous exudate, have a flattened character and have a dense texture on palpation.

The mild course of erysipelas is characterized by mild symptoms, the temperature rarely rises above 38.5 °, a moderate headache may be observed. In a severe course of the disease, the temperature reaches 40 ° and above, there are stunning chills, vomiting, mental disorders, meningeal syndrome (the so-called meningism). There is an increase in heart rate, hemodynamic parameters are falling.
The fever in patients lasts up to 5 days. Acute inflammatory changes in the focus disappear within 5-7 days with erythematous erysipelas, up to 10-12 days or more with bullous-hemorrhagic erysipelas. Enlarged regional lymph nodes that persist during recovery, skin infiltration at the site of inflammation, subfebrile temperature are prognostically unfavorable for the development of early relapses.
Repeated erysipelas occurs 2 years or more after the previous disease and has a different localization.

Recurrent erysipelas is most often observed when the focus of inflammation is localized on the lower extremities. There are predisposing factors for the transition of primary erysipelas to recurrent, in particular with concomitant chronic skin diseases, especially fungal (epidermophytosis, rubrophytosis), previous, lymphostasis, the presence of foci of chronic streptococcal infection. Relapses develop in terms from several days and weeks to 1-2 years, their number can reach several tens. Frequent relapses lead to severe disorders in the lymphatic system.
Complications are usually local in nature: skin necrosis, abscesses, thrombophlebitis, lymphangitis, periadenitis. With concomitant serious illnesses and late treatment may develop, infectious-toxic shock. At frequent relapses lymphedema (lymphedema) and secondary are possible.

Treatment:

For treatment appoint:

Therapeutic measures with erysipelas, in most cases it is carried out at home or on an outpatient basis. Patients are shown to drink plenty of water, balanced diet. Indications for hospitalization are a severe course of the disease, a common local process, its bullous-hemorrhagic character and recurrent erysipelas.

The main pathogenetic therapy for erysipelas is the appointment of antibiotics. The most commonly used one of the following antibacterial agents: oletethrin 0.25 g 4-6 times a day, metacycline hydrochloride 0.3 g 2-3 times a day, erythromycin or oleandomycin phosphate in daily doses up to 2 g, the combined chemotherapy drug Bactrim (biseptol), sulfatone - 2 each tablets 2 times a day in the morning and in the evening after meals. In a hospital setting and in severe cases of the disease, it is indicated intramuscular injection benzylpenicillin, with recurrent erysipelas - cephalosporins (cefazolin, klaforan, etc.), lincomycin hypochloride. The duration of taking antibiotics is 8-10 days. Pathogenetic treatment also includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ascorutin to strengthen vascular wall, a complex of vitamins. With frequent relapses of the disease, nonspecific stimulating and immunocorrective therapy (pentoxyl, methyluracil, sodium nucleinate), as well as prodigiosan, levamisole, is indicated. Two latest drug prescribed only in the hospital. With the recurrent nature of the course of the disease, autohemotherapy is used in some cases.
Local treatment of erysipelas is carried out only with its bullous forms and localization of the process on the limbs. The blisters are incised at one of the edges and dressings are applied to the focus of inflammation with a solution of ethacridine lactate (1:1000) or furacilin (1:5000), changing them several times a day. Subsequently, dressings with ectericide, vinylin are applied. IN acute period diseases, physiotherapy can be used: UV irradiation and UHF therapy, and after the acute inflammatory process subsides, dressings with naftalan ointment, applications with paraffin and ozocerite, radon baths, lidase electrophoresis or calcium chloride to prevent persistent lymphoedema. Patients are discharged no earlier than the 7th day after the normalization of body temperature. Those who have had erysipelas are registered in the office of infectious diseases for 3 months, and those suffering from recurrent erysipelas for at least 2 years.
Surgical treatment of complications in erysipelas. With development, the patient undergoes necrectomy after stabilization general condition. The wound is covered with dalcex-trypsin with an antiseptic, teralgin, algipor, hydrophilic ointment (levomekol) or chemotherapeutic agents (dimexide, iodopyrone, etc.). In case of large defects, after the appearance of dense granular granulations and the elimination of acute phenomena, reoperation- autodermoplasty, the meaning of which is to close the defect of the skin, while the patient himself becomes the donor and recipient. With phlegmon and abscesses, the incision is made along the shortest way, cut the skin, subcutaneous tissue and open the cavity of the abscess. After the evacuation of the detritus, the cavity is washed with antiseptics, dried, the edges of the wound are bred with hooks and an audit is performed. All non-viable tissues are excised. The wound, as a rule, is not sutured, sterile dressing. With purulent lymphadenitis, abscessing phlebitis and paraphlebitis and other foci of a purulent-inflammatory nature, surgical treatment is indicated - opening accumulations of pus, removing necrotic tissues, and draining the wound.

Prevention:

Preventive measures to prevent the development of erysipelas include careful personal hygiene, prevention of injuries and abrasions of the legs. If such an injury has occurred, their treatment with antiseptics is indicated (for example, 5% alcohol solution of iodine, brilliant green solution). Timely rehabilitation of foci of chronic streptococcal infection is necessary. Prevention of recurrent erysipelas involves the treatment of diseases predisposing to relapse (fungal skin lesions, lymphovenous insufficiency). Justified in some cases drug prophylaxis faces. With frequent, persistent relapses, bicillin-5 is administered for prophylactic purposes at 1,500,000 IU intramuscularly every 3-5 weeks. over the course of two to three years. In cases of pronounced seasonality of relapses and with significant residual effects it is recommended to prescribe bicillin-5 as preventive courses lasting 3-4 months.

Find out what are the signs of erysipelas of the leg. What means and methods can be used for treatment this disease.

The content of the article:

The beginning of the development of erysipelas of the legs can begin at the very various reasons. There is damage to the tissues of the limbs not only in the elderly, but also in newborns. This disease is often associated with related problems. According to statistics, approximately 15% of the world's population are carriers of the infection, which provokes the progression of the disease.

Signs and symptoms of erysipelas of the legs

This disease is manifested not only by the not beautiful appearance of the skin of the lower extremities, but also by strong unpleasant sensations affecting the functioning of all body systems. At the same time, the general condition of the patient worsens.

The main signs of erysipelas of the legs are:

general weakness;
redness and swelling of the skin;
fever;
cramps and spasms in the muscles;
high body temperature;
poor appetite or its complete absence;
pain in the muscles;
vomit;
feeling of nausea.

If the disease occurs in acute form, There is Great chance transmission of streptococcal infection to others. That is why you should try to avoid close contact with sick people and always use personal protective equipment. Bacteria have the ability to penetrate microscopic cracks and breaks in the skin, resulting in damage to healthy tissues.

Erysipelatous inflammation of the leg has 4 forms of progression:

Erythematous- with this form, the skin is covered with a crust that has a red tint. Severe peeling may also appear, the affected areas have clear edges.
Erythematous-bullous- manifested by the formation of bubbles, inside which there is a liquid. Another sign is the formation of erosion.
Bullous-hemorrhagic- at this stage, the formation of blisters begins, but inside there are secretions mixed with blood.
Erythematous hemorrhagic- the manifestation of changes in the skin begins, the epidermis acquires an unhealthy purple hue, which occurs due to hemorrhage into the deeper layers of the skin.

In the first two stages of the progression of the disease, it can be easily stopped if treatment is started on time using medications.

Erysipelatous inflammation of the legs has the following degrees of progression:

Simple- patients feel weak, body temperature does not rise above 39 degrees, non-local changes in the skin occur.
Medium- the patient experiences all the signs of the disease that bother for a long time.
heavy- at this stage, not only the main symptoms of the disease appear, but also mental disorders are also disturbing.
Relapses begin to appear in the event that re-infection occurs.

Causes of erysipelas

The beginning of the development of erysipelas of the legs is manifested as a result of the fact that a streptococcal infection penetrates the human body. After infection, the patient may not even guess that in his body are dangerous bacteria. Given the presence of various factors, there is a rapid development of the disease.

The progression process can be started:

frequent stay in stressful situations;
a sharp weakening of the immune system;
severe hypothermia of the body;
prolonged and frequent sunbathing;
violation of the integrity of the skin;
various skin diseases;
emotional instability.

The chance of getting sick with this disease increases in those people who suffer from concomitant diseases such as:

violation of metabolism and outflow of lymph;
alcoholism;
foot fungus;
phlebeurysm;
violation of blood circulation;
pathology of lymphatic circulation;
diabetes;
being overweight.

Treatment of erysipelas on the leg at home

If signs of erysipelas of the legs were found, it is necessary to seek help from such specialists - a general practitioner, surgeon, dermatologist, infectious disease specialist. It is necessary to consult a surgeon only in the case when the disease recurs or the patient has not started treatment for a long time.

Treatment of erysipelas on the leg includes a number of specific procedures, main goal which is to improve overall health. It is also necessary to destroy the streptococcal infection, which is in the patient's body and provokes the development of this disease.

The therapy is carried out as follows:

the doctor prescribes the intake of drugs of a different spectrum of actions;
certain physiotherapy procedures are carried out;
apply different means local purpose;
in the most severe cases, immediate surgery is performed.

Procedures for the treatment of erysipelas of the legs can be carried out independently at home (drugs are prescribed only by a doctor), in a hospital, while the patient must be in infectious department. Semi-hospital conditions are also possible, when there is a need for additional physiotherapy procedures.

At the core drug therapy there is a use of several types of drugs at once, namely:

antibiotics;
local antiseptics;
general strengthening drugs;
creams and ointments that help accelerate the process of restoring the integrity of the skin;
pharmaceutical preparations that relieve concomitant ailments;
homeopathic preparations.

When diagnosing erysipelas of the leg, the use of antibiotics and antiseptic drugs is prescribed, the action of which is aimed at combating streptococcal infection. These drugs are administered intravenously or taken orally.

Therapeutic ointments used for erysipelas of the leg have positive action and the process of restoring the integrity of the skin. There is also a complete destruction of the infection, directly at the site of application of this medication. Among the most effective ointments relate:

Levomekol;
Tetracycline ointment;
Iruxol;
Naftalan;
Erythromycin ointment.

Physiotherapeutic procedures such as laser therapy, exposure to high-frequency current and ultrasonic radiation can also be prescribed.

In each case, strictly on an individual basis, the doctor selects methods, as well as drugs for the treatment of erysipelas of the leg. The degree of progression of the disease must also be taken into account.

When diagnosing erysipelas of the leg, it is allowed:

apply compresses;
use a bandage, but it is forbidden to wrap the leg too tightly;
take a shower, but without using any cosmetics;
apply funds traditional medicine in combination with drug therapy;
the use of medicinal creams and ointments is prescribed, but they should not be rubbed directly into the affected areas of the limbs.

Treatment of erysipelas of the legs with folk remedies and methods

With the development of erysipelas of the legs, it is recommended to use compresses. It is best to opt for components of natural origin, which include a large number of valuable minerals and trace elements.

You will need to take fresh leaves of the plant.
A thick layer of fatty sour cream is applied to the leaves.
The compress is applied to the affected area and fixed with a bandage.
Do not rewind your leg too much.
It is necessary to change the compress at least 4 times a day.

No less effective is the use of cabbage leaves:

The vegetable leaves are finely chopped.
As soon as the cabbage starts up the juice, it is applied to the affected area.
The compress is fixed with a sterile bandage, and on top with a layer of polyethylene.
Do such medical procedure needed before bed.

It is recommended to use tincture of burnet. In this case, you need to follow a few rules:

Is taken warm water(90 ml) and burnet tincture (1 tablespoon).
A layer of gauze is wetted in the resulting solution.
Then rubbing the affected area will be performed.

One of the most effective ways treatment of this disease is the use of red tissue:

A small piece of chalk is taken and ground until a powder is obtained.
Chalk is sprinkled with red fabric, which must be made only from natural cotton.
The compress is fixed directly in the area of inflammation.
Every three hours you need to change the compress.

It is recommended to rinse the affected area with special decoctions, which should include medicinal plants. Greatest Benefit they bring nettle leaves, cudweed, yarrow, calamus root, eucalyptus leaves, licorice and chamomile flowers. These herbs can be used alone or together. In the latter case, all components are taken in equal quantities.

If there are no contraindications, it can be used to treat erysipelas of the legs natural ointment, for the preparation of which the following components are taken:

propolis - 2 g;
olive oil - 1 tbsp.;
honey - 60 g;
coniferous resin - 100 g;
beeswax - 100 g.

getting ready healing ointment according to the following scheme:

Pine resin is ground until a powder is obtained.
Olive oil is mixed with resin and beeswax.
The resulting mixture is boiled for 10 minutes on a steam bath.
After 10 minutes, honey is added to the composition, and the mixture is boiled for a few more minutes.
At the end, propolis is added, cooked for another 10 minutes in a steam bath.
The composition is removed and left for a while until it cools down.
The cooled ointment is transferred to a pre-prepared glass container and stored in a cool place under a tightly closed lid.
Use medicinal composition it is necessary for several weeks - the ointment is applied to the problem area and fixed with a sterile bandage.

Provided that it is started in a timely manner and proper treatment, you can quickly get rid of a disease such as erysipelas of the legs. But when signs of this pathology appear, it is imperative to seek help from a doctor who will help you choose an effective therapy. It is not necessary, before confirming the diagnosis, to try to carry out self-treatment, since such actions can only aggravate an already serious condition.

More about erysipelas in the foot in the video below:

- an acute infectious skin disease caused by group A streptococci. The disease is prone to relapse, and if the primary erysipelas most often appears on the face, then the recurrent disease is usually localized in areas with chronic diseases of the lymphatic or blood vessels- usually on the lower extremities.

Erysipelas has been known for a very long time, so there are many recipes for fighting the disease, but it is worth remembering that traditional medicine is only an addition to the main therapy.

Is it possible to cure erysipelas at home

Erysipelas is a very common streptococcal infection. It ranks 4th after acute respiratory, intestinal infections and viral hepatitis.

Most often, erysipelas is observed in the older age group, about 1/3 of them are women.

The causative agent of the disease is any group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Its source is any carrier of infection - a contaminated instrument, dressing material, and a patient with any form of streptococcal infection. It is transmitted by contact and by airborne droplets through abrasions, minor injuries, abrasions.

Streptococci are very common in nature. Some of these bacteria live on the skin of any person. Under the condition of adequate functioning of the immune system, infection does not occur, but when immunity is weakened against the background of chronic diseases, erysipelas develops freely. This explains the prevalence of infection among elderly patients.

In children, erysipelas is extremely rare, but is a great threat. When infected, the disease spreads very quickly to the buttocks, back, lower limbs and leads to a very high intoxication of the body. Mortality in neonatal erysipelas is very high.

Streptococci enter through wounds lymphatic vessels and capillaries, causing, appearance, cellular infiltration of the skin. As a rule, edema is accompanied increased fragility vessels, which provides numerous edematous hemorrhages. The development of the disease is directly related to disorders in the functioning of the immune system - against the background of reduced production of T-lymphocytes and increased immunoglobulin E. Under such conditions, an allergy is formed: the occurrence secondary inflammation in the same area indicates allergic nature restructuring of the skin and its sensitization to streptococcus. as show latest research, staphylococcal microflora is also involved in the development of the disease, especially when it comes to. When this should be taken into account.
Obviously, it is possible to fight streptococcal infections only with the help of a certain kind of antibiotics: erythromycin,. It is also obvious that folk remedies are powerless in the fight against pathogenic microflora, but they are a good remedy for symptomatic treatment. Decoctions and compresses can relieve swelling, and prevent the spread of the disease.

Cases of complete recovery in patients using only folk remedies, alas, are explained by the initially high immunity of the patient. That is, an infection that has penetrated inside provokes the release of the required immunoglobulin. The latter, when produced in enough suppresses the disease. In this case, antibodies are produced that do not allow re-inflammation to develop.

When immunity is weakened, the picture changes. The disease not only cannot be cured without antibiotics, but also goes into a more severe stage - blisters with serous contents appear, lymphostasis may develop. In addition, the likelihood of secondary infection is very high. It is worth considering the consequences of intoxication.

The video below will tell you whether folk remedies help with erysipelas:

Treatment of erysipelas with folk remedies

Folk recipes are mainly aimed at reducing symptoms - swelling, soreness, fever, inflammation. In addition, decoctions of herbs that increase immunity contribute to the treatment. The latter are also used in the prevention of relapses.

daily shower is a must. However, the affected areas are washed very carefully, only warm water- not hot, and without using a sponge;
dry the skin with napkins, do not wipe;
should be included in your daily diet dairy products- kefir, yogurt, yogurt, as fresh as possible. Lactobacilli promote recovery normal operation intestines, and the latter is just the "base" for the synthesis of the corresponding immunoglobulins;
lubricate inflammation with greasy creams and ointments to minimize contact with moisture;
the sun, when sick, turns into medicinal product, that is, it is taken in doses: the affected skin can be irradiated with ultraviolet radiation for no more than 15 minutes a day.

On the foot

Erysipelas on the legs is most often secondary, but the disease can begin here. The "gates" for infection are injuries, calluses. A prerequisite for the development of the disease is a decrease in immunity. The appearance of erysipelas on the legs during relapses is associated with the characteristics of the disease itself: erysipelas “prefers” foci of an already existing chronic inflammation, areas with impaired blood circulation, with stagnation of the lymph.

It is on the legs that thrombophlebitis most often develops, which is an ideal soil for erysipelas. The victims of the disease are often people whose profession requires a long stay on their feet, and weakened the immune system no longer provides adequate protection.

For the treatment of erysipelas on the legs, both creams and lotions are used.

A leaf of burdock is kneaded into gruel, mixed with a small amount of sour cream. The mixture is applied to the damaged area and held for at least 2-3 hours.
Crushed plantain leaves are mixed with honey and heated over low heat. The mixture is cooled and used as a compress. The composition well relieves inflammation and reduces pain.
A compress helps relieve swelling and inflammation. potato juice. They keep him all night.
At varicose veins veins it is useful to use a cabbage compress. For this cabbage leaf crush, lubricate olive oil and applied to the inflamed area. The compress is fixed with a bandage and held for 3 hours.
Twice a day, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with a mixture of equal parts of sea buckthorn oil and aloe juice.

Vintage quackery methods can also help with erysipelas, which the video below will tell about:

On the hand

The appearance of erysipelas on the arm is usually associated with drug use. Streptococci enter the lymphatic system through traces of injections, and therefore this disease is most often observed in men aged 20–35 years. WITH occupational injuries and diseases of the erysipelas on the hands are rarely associated.
In women, erysipelas may result from the removal of the breast. At the same time, lymph often stagnates in the hand, which creates favorable conditions for the development of the disease.

For treatment, both the above means and more specific ones are used.

A hawthorn compress is prepared as follows: juicy fruits are rubbed into gruel, applied to the skin and fixed with a bandage. Keep the composition for several hours.
A compress from a mixture of vodka and honey in equal proportions quite successfully relieves inflammation and swelling. A piece of bandage is impregnated with the mixture and held on the arm for at least 1 hour. The procedure is repeated three times a day.
Can be applied camphor oil. The oil is heated in a flask, gauze is moistened in a warm liquid and applied for 2 hours to the affected area. After removing the compress, the remaining oil is removed paper napkin, and a burdock leaf is applied to the focus of inflammation. The compress is repeated 3 times a day.
30% propolis ointment is prepared as follows: 1 kg of propolis is ground, poured into 300 ml pure alcohol and boil until the propolis dissolves. Then 200 g of vaseline is melted in a water bath and added to the mass of 50 g alcohol solution propolis. The composition is mixed, cooled, filtered through gauze and stored in glass containers. The ointment is applied twice a day to the focus of inflammation.
A kind of absorbent that reduces inflammation is chalk, or rather, its mixture with crushed sage leaves in equal proportions. This gruel is applied to the inflammation 4 times a day and bandaged.

On the face

Primary erysipelas is most often seen on the face. The provoking factor in this case are various chronic clogging - conjunctivitis, as well. Localization is associated with the disease:

With conjunctivitis the disease develops around the eye sockets.
When a streptococcal infection occurs in the sinuses, erysipelas affects the cheeks and nose - an inflammation in the form of a "butterfly".
With otitis media swelling and redness appear around the auricles, on the neck, scalp.

Erysipelas on the face is always accompanied severe edema and pains. At the same time, effective decongestant ointments cannot be used, as this increases the risk of inflammation. Relatively weak folk remedies are more useful.

Coltsfoot and chamomile flowers are crushed, mixed in equal proportions, honey is added. The mixture is applied to the affected areas.
The root of elecampane is rubbed, mixed with petroleum jelly in a ratio of 1: 4 and lubricated with the composition of the face twice a day.
Juice from chamomile and yarrow leaves is mixed with butter in a ratio of 1:4. The ointment is applied to the affected area three times a day.
With erythematous erysipelas, the inflamed areas are smeared with pork fat every 3 hours.
In the bullous form - the appearance of blisters, use a mixture of equal parts of crushed plantain, burdock and Kalanchoe. Fresh leaves are ground into gruel and placed on the inflamed area and fixed with a piece of gauze. Hold as a mask for at least 1 hour.
With erysipelas, medicinal herbal preparations reducing inflammation and removing toxins.
Dry crushed leaves are mixed in equal proportions: yarrow, calamus, burnet, eucalyptus. Part of the collection is poured with 10 parts of boiling water and insisted for 3 hours. The infusion is filtered and taken 4 times a day, 50 drops.
For washing, as well as for the prevention of spread, decoctions of succession, chamomile and coltsfoot are used. This herb has pronounced antibacterial properties and prevents the attachment of a secondary infection.

Erysipelas is a serious infectious disease that requires antibiotic treatment. Folk remedies facilitate and prevent the spread of the disease, but only if they are correctly combined with drug therapy.

A lot of good recipes from erysipelas is given in this video: