How to treat erysipelas. Erysipelas: causes, manifestations, signs, methods of treatment

Erysipelatous inflammation of the skin is a severe disease of an infectious-allergic nature that is prone to frequent recurrence. Its development occurs against the background of the defeat of the epidermis by group A streptococcus. Pathogenic microorganisms can provoke inflammation in people of all ages (even in infants).

Causes

Erysipelatous inflammation develops with a combination of several adverse factors:

  • Injured skin. The epidermis can become inflamed not only with a massive injury. It may happen after minor damage in the form of scratches, peeling, cuts.
  • Damage to the skin by pathogenic microorganisms. Erysipelatous inflammation occurs due to hemolytic streptococcus A. It not only affects the skin, but also releases toxins that have a destructive effect on the entire human body.
  • Decreased immunity. Streptococcus can be present on the body of many healthy people and cause no disease. The development of erysipelas occurs against the background of a decrease in the natural protective functions of the body. The reason is severe concomitant diseases, stress, smoking, alcoholism.


Erysipelas is a problem in developed countries and practically does not occur among the population of Africa, South Asia.

Erysipelas most often develops in women over 50 years of age. In this case, the disease can affect any person.

Especially often this pathology develops against the background of diabetes mellitus, HIV, oncological disease with long-term use of glucocorticosteroids.

Symptoms

From the moment streptococcus enters the wound to the development of the first symptoms, 5 days pass. The affected area of ​​the body becomes painful. Regardless of the location of the problem, the disease begins with a sharp rise in temperature. On the first day, the indicators are 38 ° C, and on the following days - 40 ° C. Streptococcus secretes toxins, which causes intoxication of the body. This is manifested by such signs:

  • weakness;
  • pronounced fatigue;
  • chills;
  • loss of appetite;
  • sweating;
  • increased sensitivity to bright light and sharp sounds.

Only 12 hours after the rise in body temperature, symptoms of skin lesions appear, which is manifested by redness. The problem area rises slightly above the surface. Most often, it is limited to a kind of roller, but if the body's resistance to bacteria is insignificant, this sign is absent.

Other symptoms of erysipelas include swelling and soreness of the skin. Near the focus of inflammation, an increase in lymph nodes is observed. They become painful and tight to the touch.

The presented photo shows the differences between an uncomplicated form of erysipelas and a complicated one. In the latter case, bubbles filled with pus or liquid, areas with hemorrhages form on the surface of the skin.


On the face

Erysipelas on the surface of the face - frequent occurrence. This is due to the fact that the skin on this part of the body is especially thin and susceptible to the negative effects of external factors. This leads to an increase in all the unpleasant symptoms of the disease:

  • When the skin of the face is affected, a person feels an increase in soreness during chewing. This is especially felt when the problem is localized on the cheeks, lower jaw.
  • Severe edema is observed on almost the entire surface of the face, and not only in the area affected by streptococcus.
  • On the affected areas, itching and burning appear.
  • When probing the neck, pain is felt. This is a clear sign of damage to the lymph nodes.
  • Body temperature rises to 39-40 ° C and can last for several days.
  • Due to severe intoxication, a person feels a breakdown, nausea, and a headache.

Inflammation of the scalp and face potential danger for humans due to the high risk of developing meningitis. Therefore, to prevent dangerous complications, when identifying the first signs of an illness, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

On foot

The development of erysipelas of the skin of the legs is associated with non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene. This creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of streptococci. Therefore, even a minor wound is enough for the onset of symptoms of an infectious disease:

Unlike lesions of the head, erysipelas on the surface of the legs proceeds more easily. The patient feels better, recovery comes faster.

On hands

Inflammation of the skin on the surface of the hands appears infrequently. This is due to the fact that in this area of ​​​​the body the concentration of bacteria rarely rises to unacceptable levels. Most often, erysipelas can be transmitted from contaminated objects with which a cut or puncture of the skin was made.

At risk of infection with erysipelas, which manifests itself on the surface of the hands, are children and drug addicts.

Inflammation of the skin is seen in different parts hands Under the armpits appear painful lumps indicating damage to the lymph nodes.

Diagnostics

It is possible to assume the development of erysipelas based on initial examination and questioning the patient. In the absence of comorbidities, the diagnosis can be confirmed by routine general analysis blood, where a change in the following indicators is observed:

  • Rapid increase in ESR. Normalization of indicators occurs only 3 weeks after treatment.
  • Decrease in the number of leukocytes. This result indicates the suppression of immunity by the infection.
  • Decreased levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin.

Possible Complications

Erysipelas can be contagious if a person has underlying health problems. Therefore, it is necessary to treat all identified pathologies in a timely manner.
It will also help prevent the development of life-threatening complications:

Therapy

Treatment of erysipelas is most often carried out at home, but under close medical supervision. The patient is admitted to the hospital only if complications develop.. This often occurs when there is inflammation in the hair growth area on the head or the surface of the face.

Medicines

It is quite easy to cure erysipelas if you resort to complex therapy using several drugs:

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is additionally used to speed up recovery and reduce doses of aggressive drugs. Ultraviolet radiation, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, laser or UHF help improve skin condition and relieve inflammation. Physiotherapy is relevant to prevent new outbreaks of erysipelas, which are observed in a fourth of patients.

Operation

Surgical intervention is performed only with the development of life-threatening complications - abscesses, phlegmon, necrosis, when a bullous form of the disease is detected.

The operation does not take long and is most often under local anesthesia. The doctor opens the abscesses, cleanses the tissues of purulent contents, followed by antibiotic therapy to prevent re-inflammation.

Alternative treatment

Alternative methods for uncomplicated erysipelas are no less effective than drug therapy. Such funds are recommended to be combined with drugs prescribed by a doctor, which will produce the best effect..

For erysipelas, the following medicines are used:

  1. Infusion of chamomile and coltsfoot. Herbs are mixed in equal proportions. Take a tablespoon of the prepared collection in a glass of boiling water. The mixture is insisted on a water bath for 10 minutes, after which it is cooled. Infusion is used to treat all problem areas on the body.
  2. Ointment from rosehip oil and Kalanchoe juice. The ingredients are mixed in equal proportions and applied to the skin when the acute inflammatory process is eliminated. In such cases, the surface usually peels off, which can cause a recurrence of the disease. The ointment will moisturize the skin and eliminate irritation.
  3. Decoction of calendula. A tablespoon of vegetable raw materials is poured into 235 ml of boiling water. The mixture is cooled, and then used to treat inflamed areas.
  4. Natural cream with moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effect. Prepared from homemade sour cream and burdock leaves, which must first be crushed. The resulting cream treats all problem areas in the morning and evening.

With the right approach to treatment, erysipelas resolves quite quickly and is not accompanied by complications.

Success largely depends on the state of the patient's immunity. Therefore, in order to prevent relapses, which often occur after the first appearance of erysipelas, it is necessary to carefully monitor your body and keep healthy lifestyle life.


Erysipelas, or erysipelas, is an infectious-allergic skin disease caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. It ranks fourth in prevalence among all infections, second only to intestinal and respiratory diseases and viral hepatitis. Why is this disease so common? Erysipelas affects people with weakened immune systems

Causes of erysipelas

Erysipelas is a very interesting infectious disease. It is distributed throughout the world, but it does not have a natural focus. Erysipelas is caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, a special microorganism that lives on human skin. It is noted that people living in northern latitudes suffer from erysipelas more often. This trend is easily explained: streptococcus, which causes inflammation, does not like high temperatures and is not able to multiply when the thermometer is above 45 degrees.

Erysipelas is not very contagious, so epidemics of this disease have not yet been noted. Hemolytic streptococcus enters the body through the skin and mucous membranes, and this is what determines the main symptoms of erysipelas. The infection always develops in people with reduced immunity. People who do not have problems with the body's defense system become carriers of bacteria. Streptococcus is transmitted by airborne droplets when coughing and sneezing, as well as through household items. Even the usual handshake with a sick face can become the cause of infection.


Constant stress inevitably leads to a weakening of the body's protective barriers.

Risk factors

Most often, the disease develops in women over 50 years of age. Men are also susceptible to this infection, but among them the pathology occurs more frequently. early age. The risk factors that provoke the appearance of erysipelas include the following conditions:

  • chronic diseases;
  • stress;
  • permanent traumatization of the skin;
  • bruises and fractures;
  • sudden temperature changes.

Regardless of the cause that caused the disease, erysipelas occurs against a background of reduced immunity. That is why the symptoms of erysipelas are most often observed in pregnant women and the elderly, whose body's defense system is not able to cope with an aggressive infection. The severity of signs and the frequency of complications do not depend on the localization of the process.


Leg skin with erysipelas infection

Symptoms of inflammation

The infectious process can affect the upper and lower limbs, face, torso, and perineum. The most common is erysipelas of the leg. The disease always begins acutely with an increase in temperature to 38-40 degrees. The fever lasts about 10 days, accompanied by severe chills, shaking the whole body. In some cases, there is a violation of consciousness, delirium, convulsions. This condition of the patient is associated with the release into the blood of toxins produced by beta-hemolytic streptococcus.

Symptoms that occur during the development of erysipelas are associated with damage to the skin and subcutaneous fat. The infectious process affecting the lower extremities usually manifests itself in the form of erysipelas of the lower leg. In rare cases, the hips or feet are affected. The manifestations of erysipelas are quite specific, and for the diagnosis does not require any additional research. We list the characteristic signs of erysipelas.

  • Hyperemia (redness) of the skin

This sign appears 10-12 hours after the onset of fever. The skin is bright red, the color is uniform, without transitions. Hyperemia is associated with the expansion of skin vessels due to their defeat by streptococcus. The area of ​​redness gradually grows, capturing new zones. Antibiotics used for erysipelas can stop the spread of infection. With timely treatment, the skin gradually turns pale, and after 7-10 days there is no trace of redness. At the site of hyperemia, peeling appears, which persists for two weeks.

  • Typical appearance of altered skin

The inflamed area looks like flames or a map. Around the focus of hyperemia, a roller is formed that rises above healthy skin. It is worth noting that in this place the bacteria are most active and the patient feels severe pain along the edges of the inflammation. The skin at the site of the lesion is edematous. These symptoms allow special problems recognize erysipelas of the lower leg and prescribe antibiotics in time to stop the process.

  • Enlargement of regional lymph nodes

There is no such infectious process that would not lead to a change in the lymph nodes at the site of the lesion. With erysipelas, the lymph nodes are painful, swollen, soldered together. In rare cases, the infection is complicated by lymphostasis - stagnation of lymph in the vessels.

Possible Complications

Timely prescribed antibiotics allow you to cope with the disease within 7-14 days. If therapy was not started in the first days or the means selected for the treatment of the infection were not effective, the following complications develop:

  • hemorrhages in the skin and subcutaneous fat;
  • the formation of large blisters filled with clear or purulent contents;
  • distribution of the process over the entire surface of the lower extremities, transition to abdominal wall and perineum.

Erysipelatous inflammation of the legs with this option is much more severe and very often leads to a relapse of the disease. In this case, new foci of infection may appear in the same place or choose a different site for the lesion.


The most commonly used treatment for erysipelas is penicillin.

Treatment of inflammation

Erysipelas is an infectious pathology, and antibacterial agents are actively used to treat it. Only properly selected antibiotics can cope with streptococcus and negate the likelihood of complications. How is the treatment of a dangerous infection?

Treatment of erysipelas begins with the choice of antibiotics. Penicillin preparations are usually used. They destroy the cell wall of bacteria, acting both on mature forms of streptococcus and on multiplying ones. Antibacterial drugs prevent the spread of infection, reduce pain and swelling of the skin. They are administered intramuscularly, the course of treatment is from 7 to 14 days.

In case of intolerance to penicillins, antibiotics from the group of tetracyclines or macrolides are prescribed. The mechanism of action is the same, the duration of therapy depends on the degree of damage and the presence of complications. Unlike penicillins, these drugs are better tolerated by patients and rarely cause adverse reactions.

To prevent recurrence of the disease and restore the general condition, additional drugs are prescribed:

  • antihistamine (antiallergic) agents that reduce skin swelling;
  • glucocorticosteroids - in case of risk of developing lymphostasis (stagnation of lymph in the affected organ);
  • immune system stimulants that restore the regeneration of the skin;
  • vitamins and enzymes to maintain the overall tone of the body.

Local treatment of erysipelas

How to treat erysipelas on the leg except for the use of drugs inside? To treat the skin at the site of the lesion, a 50% solution of dimexide is most often used. This drug helps to relieve inflammation, reduces pain and swelling, and also has a good antimicrobial effect. Bandages with antiseptic solutions (for example, with furacilin) ​​are actively used, which can fight bacteria in the subcutaneous tissue. Enteroseptol powder, applied to clean, dry skin twice a day, has proven itself well.

Important!

When treating erysipelas, it is forbidden to use any ointment bandages! This method only worsens the patient's condition and can cause the development of an abscess - purulent complication at the site of inflammation.


A compress of grated potatoes will help alleviate the course of the disease

Treatment of erysipelas on the legs with folk remedies

Many patients are concerned about the question: is it possible to cure erysipelas at home? This is not surprising, because the use of antibiotics is not always good for the body, and many people want to avoid the unpleasant side effects of penicillin. Doctors say that it is possible to treat erysipelas with folk remedies only in the case of an uncomplicated course of the process. This means that the temperature should not rise above 39 degrees. Convulsions, confusion and other signs of severe inflammation are unacceptable. With the development of hemorrhages, the addition of a purulent infection, attempts to cure erysipelas at home should be abandoned.

  • A good folk remedy that alleviates the patient's condition is a compress using raw potatoes. To do this, the vegetable should be finely grated, wrapped in a cloth and applied to the affected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe leg. A good effect was noticed when using a cabbage leaf. To lubricate the legs, you can use tincture of valerian, eucalyptus or chaga. These drugs are available at any pharmacy without a prescription.
  • A well-known folk way to get rid of erysipelas on the legs is an infusion of juniper. Two tablespoons of the plant are poured with boiling water, cooled and applied to the diseased limb several times a day. A similar effect can be achieved using an infusion of a mixture of chamomile, sage, plantain and St. John's wort.

An interesting fact: although erysipelas is considered an infectious disease, it is quite well amenable to therapy with folk methods. Traditional medicine explains this by the fact that during treatment with herbs, stress is relieved, which caused a decrease in immunity and the development of pathology. The main thing is not to get too carried away with healing and carefully monitor the general condition. If you feel worse and develop complications, you should seek help from a qualified doctor.

What is erysipelas of the leg and its causes

Hemolytic streptococcus causes such common diseases as, for example, tonsillitis. But not all people who have been ill with it subsequently suffer from inflammatory processes in skin tissues.

In addition to pathogenic invasion, the reasons for the development of erysipelas on the leg can be:

  • predisposition to the disease, due to weak immunity;
  • allergy to waste products of a bacterial agent;
  • skin injuries, severe bruises;
  • general overheating or hypothermia;
  • changed mental states, emotional imbalance, stress;
  • sun, cold or chemical burn.

Is the erysipelas on the leg contagious to others? Yes, since the pathogen is transmitted through direct contact with the host, facilitated by microscopic skin lesions.

With a combination of several adverse factors and weakened immunity, streptococcus will immediately manifest itself. Cases of infection from the outside are recorded less frequently. This occurs when using a non-sterile medical instrument or by the lymphogenous route.

Localization of lesions in the ankle area is most common. The inner thighs, feet, or buttocks are less commonly affected by streptococcus.

Causes of the disease

In terms of prevalence, erysipelas ranks fourth among infectious pathologies after

viral hepatitis and

dysentery

As a result of a number of studies, various factors provoking this disease were discovered. Among them:

  • circulatory disorders;
  • lymphostasis;
  • damage to the skin or mucous membranes;
  • foot mycosis;
  • sudden changes in temperature;
  • sedentary work;
  • trauma;
  • hereditary predisposition;
  • diabetes;
  • bad habits (smoking);
  • stress.

All of the above factors can cause the development of erysipelas on the leg, subject to reduced immunity. In this case, after streptococcus enters the body, an inadequate response of the immune system is observed, which is expressed by excessive production of immunoglobulin E and a decrease in the number of T-lymphocytes with immunoglobulins A, M, G.

Against the background of an imbalance of immune cells, an allergy develops.

Damage to the skin can lead to infection

The main and only cause of this disease is erysipelas. Men from eighteen to thirty-five years old, as well as adult women, are most susceptible to it.

In men increased risk infection is primarily associated with their professional activity if it involves frequent microtraumas, temperature contrasts and prolonged skin contamination.

Streptococcus lives in the body of almost every person, and many people are its carriers. But the development of erysipelas, another streptococcal disease does not occur if there are no provocative factors.

Erysipelatous inflammation of the skin, as mentioned above, is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium - group A streptococcus. This microorganism plays a major role in the course of inflammation.

Streptococcus is one of the most common bacteria, but it is its exposure and the subsequent reaction of a weakened immune system that can cause inflammation of the skin on different areas human body and mucous membranes.

Since the development of the disease depends on many conditions and individually for each patient, and primarily depends on the level of immunity of the patient, streptococcal inflammation can develop in parallel with staphylococcus aureus.

This stage of the disease is the most difficult, characterized by a significant decrease in immunity and the complexity of treatment, since the second bacterium can cause purulent inflammation.

Erysipelas on the legs, arms and other parts of the body does not depend on the age group of the patient, but, nevertheless, studies have shown that this disease is most common (more than 60%) in women over the age of 50 years.

Studies were also conducted on the blood type of patients, and observations suggest that the most susceptible to the bacteria that cause erysipelas are people with blood group III.

Reduced immunity, stress, and chronic diseases can all cause infection.

We highlight the main factors and causes that can cause the development of erysipelas:

  • the presence of inflammatory processes in a person, resulting in damage to the skin and access to the necessary microelements (nutrition) to the skin;
  • chronic diseases that weaken the human immune system, for example, erysipelas can be caused by diabetes mellitus and venous insufficiency;
  • high level of pollution and traumatism of the skin (for example, in the performance of professional duties: builders, miners, etc.);
  • reduced immunity as a result past illness and etc.

As a rule, in medicine, a patient and a carrier of the disease are distinguished, so, with the development of erysipelas, the patient has pronounced manifestations erysipelas, and the carrier is a person whose body is affected by streptococcus, but there are no external manifestations of erysipelas.

A genetic predisposition to erysipelas is considered a rare factor that causes infection. The main provocateurs are always injuries and diseases that affect the normal movement of blood and lymph.

These include:

  • accidents and household injuries (closed fractures, for example);
  • thrombosis and similar diseases;
  • lymphostasis;
  • fungal lesions on the feet;
  • diabetes;
  • other pathologies that disrupt the patency of the vessels of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

secondary factors:

  • the integrity of the skin is broken (abrasions, abrasions, the like);
  • sedentary work;
  • stressful situations;
  • poor working conditions (work on the street, sudden changes in temperature, etc.);
  • bad habits that worsen the condition of blood vessels and capillaries.

If a person has weakened immunity and the above reasons are present, he automatically falls into a group of people who can get erysipelas.

Ways of infection with streptococcus are different, for example - from the environment (at home, in nature), during infectious disease(tonsillitis, pneumonia, and others) of one of the family members or brought in by a non-sterile bandage, medical instrument (syringe, tweezers, and so on).

These are 3 typical hit cases according to statistics.

Classification of erysipelas of the legs

Local manifestations of the disease may be different. Depending on their nature, the following types are distinguished:

  • if the skin is covered with bright red erythema (growth), which has clear boundaries, then this indicates an erythematous form. Subsequently, the newly formed crust may begin to peel off.
  • similarly with the above process, the erythematous-bullous form of the disease also proceeds. However, after a day or a little more in the place affected by the infection, upper layer the skin flakes off and forms a bubble with a clear liquid, which subsequently bursts. If the subsequent healing is successful, then new skin will appear as a result. Otherwise, erosion may occur.
  • if, by analogy with the erythematous-bullous form, the resulting bladder is filled with bloody contents, then this indicates the presence of a bullous-hemorrhagic form.
  • erythematous-hemorrhagic form similar to big bruise, which is a consequence of hemorrhage from the resulting erythema into the subcutaneous layers.

At the first signs of the disease, you should consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary treatment to stop the development of the inflammatory process.

Symptoms of the initial stage

Symptoms are usually characterized by:

  • fever;
  • chills;
  • poor, that is, poor health;
  • red spots;
  • swollen skin in the leg area;
  • swollen tonsils;
  • filled with purulent blisters;
  • rash on the legs;
  • headache;
  • fatigue;
  • vomiting.

The first signs that you have an erysipelas on your leg

Erysipelas on the leg at the initial stage causes a sharp and unreasonable increase in body temperature up to 40 degrees. At the same time, the patient complains of muscle and headache, is weakened and lethargic.

In the acute stage, attacks of nausea and vomiting, convulsive syndrome and obsessive delusions are added to the general symptoms.

By the end of the incubation period, which is a day, the typical symptoms of erysipelas are accompanied by a burning sensation, “tightness” of the skin, local or general edema. The limb becomes hot, a pulsation of blood is felt. Infectious foci lead to disfigurement of the skin.

What does an erysipelas look like on a leg? A characteristic feature of inflammation is a bright red, sometimes burgundy color of the skin on the affected areas.

Outwardly, it looks like flames spreading along the leg. The foci have well-defined borders, slightly protruding above the skin. This is the so-called inflammatory shaft.

Erysipelatous inflammation of the leg quickly turns into an acute stage, which lasts an average of 7 to 20 days. Then the inflammation begins to pass and is replaced by a strong peeling of dead skin. After complete healing, the affected area changes its usual color, and may become dipigmented.

If erysipelas of the lower extremities is severe, then the upper layer of the skin can peel off in layers, formations filled with hemorrhagic or serous contents appear at the site of the wounds.

Patients with bullous-hemorrhagic and erythematous-bullous forms of the disease are placed in a hospital. As a complication, doctors predict such patients with long-term non-healing ulcers of a trophic nature.

A recurrence of erysipelas is said to occur if the inflammation has recurred within 24 months of the previous recovery.

After the infection enters the body, it can take from five to seventy-two hours. After the end of the incubation period, the first symptoms of the disease are general malaise, weakness in the body, as well as a feeling of depression and weakness.

Subsequently, a sharp and severe headache adds to the listed symptoms, severe chills and very high temperature. In some cases, it reaches forty or more degrees Celsius.

Against the background of all this, intense pain develops in the lower back, knee and elbow joints, as well as muscle spasms.
.

Symptoms of erysipelas on the leg

The first symptoms of erysipelas on the leg always debut with pronounced

signs of intoxication

: the temperature rises to 38-40 °, headache and muscle pain, weakness, chills bother. These signs usually precede manifestations of local inflammatory processes by several hours or days. Paresthesia, not very intense pain, burning sensation or fullness may join.

The doctor knows that erysipelas of the leg at the initial stage is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • temperature rise, rise to 40 is possible;
  • headache;
  • muscle aches;
  • weakness;
  • nausea or vomiting;
  • fever accompanied by delirium;
  • muscle spasm.

Signs of the initial period are observed from a couple of hours to three days.

After the initial signs, symptoms of the disease appear:

  • burns the skin;
  • feeling of fullness of the leg in the place where the inflammation began;
  • red or burgundy shade of inflamed skin;
  • the form of inflammation on the skin is similar to the red flame of fire;
  • the skin lesion sticks out, representing a red inflammatory shaft;
  • feelings of an increase in the temperature of the skin at the site of the appearance of erysipelas;
  • edema;
  • bubble formation;
  • the attenuation of inflammation can take place by peeling of the skin.

So, what does an erysipelas look like on a leg photo: the initial stage:

Complications

If the disease has passed into a severe stage, the treatment has not brought recovery, the skin may blister. The blisters may contain a serous and hemorrhagic type of substance. The disease can cause peeling of the outer layer of the skin. Purulent consequences of erysipelas are difficult to cure.

The consequences of the course of the disease can lead to complications. Lymph circulation problems in the legs, leading to edema, are a serious complication of erysipelas of the legs.

A dangerous complication with untimely or incorrect treatment can be the formation of blood clots.

Complications in the form of ulcerative skin lesions, necrosis of skin cells can overtake the patient erysipelatous disease m legs.

If the treatment is chosen incorrectly, you may encounter kidney disease as a complication of the disease.

Erysipelas can have complications on the functioning of the heart.

The first signs of the development of infection resemble an ordinary viral disease, but after a while the disease manifests itself in full.

Main symptoms:

Erysipelas on the leg

Incubation period such a disease lasts from several hours to three days. After this period, the patient shows symptoms, including general weakness, weakness and malaise.

After that, quite suddenly, the temperature rises and chills and headache appear. The first few hours of manifestation of erysipelas are characterized by a very high temperature, which can reach forty degrees.

There is also muscle pain in the legs and lower back. In addition, the joints hurt.

In the leg in which the erysipelas appears, the patient feels pain and burning, a feeling of fullness. After a while, a pink or red spot of a small size appears in this place.

This spot has clear boundaries and is expanding. At the site of the lesion, the skin is hot to the touch, tense and slightly elevated above non-inflamed skin.

Some time later, blisters and bruising sometimes appear on the affected areas. Nearby lymph nodes may also become inflamed.

Some types of erysipelas may be accompanied by blisters with a clear liquid. These blisters go away after a while, but in their place there are red crusts, which will also go away after a few weeks. As a complication, erosions and ulcers can form at the site of the erysipelas.

How the disease manifests itself at the initial stage and beyond: photo

Signs of a cold or flu in combination with rashes on the skin - symptoms of the disease

The main manifestations of this infection are redness and swelling of a certain area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin. The disease is accompanied by high fever and intoxication. Most often, erysipelas are found on the leg, on the arm and on the face, less often on the trunk and in the genital area.

The symptoms of erysipelas are usually similar to those of a common cold or flu.

The disease begins with chills, headache, general weakness, muscle pain. In some cases, there may be vomiting, nausea, tachycardia and fever up to 39-40°C. During the day, redness and swelling appear on the affected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin.

By the nature of the manifestations, several forms of erysipelas are distinguished:

  1. Erythematous. The skin shows erythema (severe redness) and swelling. Erythema gradually rises above healthy skin. Its edges are uneven.
  2. Erythematous bullous. In this case, the skin at the site of redness exfoliates, and blisters filled with serous (yellowish) fluid form. After they burst, a brown crust remains in their place, which soon begins to peel off.
  3. Erythematous-hemorrhagic. In this case, hemorrhages occur in the affected areas of the skin. Bubbles at the site of erythema are filled with bloody (hemorrhagic) fluid.
  4. Bullous-hemorrhagic erysipelas is characterized by the presence of blisters with serous-hemorrhagic contents, which already indicates deep damage to the capillaries. Tissues become necrotic, and inflammation may fester. After recovery, scars and hyperpigmented areas (spots) remain on the skin.

According to the severity of the disease, three forms are distinguished:

  • With a mild form of erysipelas, the temperature rises no higher than 39 ° C and lasts no more than 3 days; the skin turns red in a small area, intoxication is weak.
  • In the moderate form, the temperature (40 ° C) lasts for 4-5 days, the intoxication is more pronounced (headache, nausea, vomiting), and the skin lesion is deep and extensive.
  • Severe erysipelas lasts more than 5 days with a temperature above 40 ° C, severe intoxication and various mental disorders (confusion, hallucinations). In severe form, erythematous-bullous and bullous-hemorrhagic lesions appear. large areas skin, as well as possible complications (gangrene, sepsis, pneumonia, infectious-toxic shock, etc.).

For most people, the symptoms of erysipelas on the leg are complemented by pain in the legs, lower back and joints. In addition, before the appearance of erythema on the lower extremities, there is a burning sensation, fullness. All this depends on the form and severity of the disease.

Streptococcus infection usually develops in the human body within a few hours, less often within a few days. Symptoms of the disease appear suddenly, and the first of them is an increase in the patient's body temperature to 39-40 degrees.

Also, the onset of the disease may be accompanied by headaches, muscle aches, weakness, nausea, and sometimes, in the acute stage, patients may experience vomiting.

Enlargement of lymph nodes in the affected area.

Also, a distinctive symptom of erysipelas are signs of damage to the skin, such as itching and burning. During the development of the disease, accompanied by the multiplication of streptococcus bacteria in the body, reddening of the skin and fever are observed on the affected area.

Erysipelas in its classic manifestation looks like an affected area of ​​the skin, usually bright pink or red, with clear boundaries, rising above healthy areas of the body.

What is an erysipelas on the leg is it contagious? It is easier to explain if we recall the old name of the disease - the fire of St. Anthony. It literally describes all the signs of the development of pathology, that is: fever, intoxication, fever, burning pain, sometimes blisters, as after a burn, and so on.

The incubation period of erysipelas is about 10 days, then primary signs appear, resembling the onset of a cold or flu.

The initial stage is intoxication (poisoning) of the body: pain in the body, migraines, chills, dizziness, nausea, the temperature rises above 38 ° C. The period lasts from 2-5 hours to several days, the symptoms are simultaneous or appear partially.

The second stage - external changes in the skin on the limbs: edema, pronounced redness large area, fever (hot to the touch), sensitive to touch, sometimes there are convulsions. The spots are limited to a painful inflamed roller (elevation along the outer edges).

How diagnostics is carried out

Since the symptoms of erysipelas can often resemble other diseases, such as scleroderma, thrombophlebitis, systemic lupus erythematosus and others, it is very great importance focuses on diagnostics.

But only experienced specialist will be able to establish a diagnosis based on a thorough questioning of the patient and the presence of characteristic symptoms. The complex can also be performed laboratory tests.

A professional doctor usually diagnoses only clinical examination. The specialist carefully asks the patient about the symptoms.

During the examination, the doctor carefully checks for swelling, spots and damage on certain areas of the skin on the face and legs. When considering the details, the doctor can ask about the presence of minor injuries or bruises.

After all, even a small scratch can cause the development of this unpleasant disease.

The diagnosis of "erysipelas" is usually established upon detection of characteristic features discussed above. Patients affected by erysipelas are not contagious, despite the infectious nature of the disease.

Hospitalization of the patient in the infectious department is recommended only in case of acute infection, accompanied by severe forms of intoxication of the body, as well as in the elderly or, on the contrary, childhood of the patient.

As with any infectious disease, the body actively fights the bacteria, and therefore the body temperature rises significantly. Taking antipyretic drugs is indicated only at temperatures above 39 degrees.

All patients affected by erysipelas are prescribed bed rest. Next, we will look at the treatment of erysipelas of various parts of the body, including erysipelas of the legs, symptoms and treatment.

The treatment of erysipelas is complex, since the patient needs to fight not only the infection, but also the external manifestation of the disease (skin lesions). Thus, the following areas of treatment of the disease can be distinguished:

The use of antibacterial drugs. The nature of erysipelas is infectious, so the main form of its treatment is the use of drugs that allow you to fight the streptococcus bacterium.

If the patient is not hospitalized and is being treated at home, then the main form of therapeutic drugs are tablets.

Most preferred medications:

  • erythromycin;
  • doxycycline;
  • azithromycin;
  • ciprofloxacin.

If the patient is hospitalized in the infectious diseases department, then the treatment can take place with the introduction of drugs intramuscularly. The duration of treatment with antibacterial drugs is from 7 to 10 days.

If you are concerned about erysipelas of the arm or erysipelas of the leg, the symptoms and treatment will be the same as for other affected areas. Antibacterial drugs will also become a necessary treatment measure.

The use of anti-inflammatory drugs is usually recommended in case of a high level of skin lesions, as well as pain in the foci of infection. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also prescribed courses of 10 to 15 days.

Local treatment of erysipelas is necessary when the skin is damaged by water, blood or purulent vesicles. Treatment is carried out only by a specialist.

As physiotherapy in the treatment of skin inflammation, it may be recommended to undergo a course of ultraviolet irradiation of the affected area.

Treatment

Antibiotics

Erysipelatous inflammation of the leg, the treatment of which is based on the elimination primary cause diseases, requires the appointment of antibiotics of a new generation. The drugs of first choice are penicillins and cephalosporins.

It is to them that streptococcus, which is the causative agent of erysipelas, is most susceptible.

Benzylpenicillin is a penicillin antibiotic used to treat erysipelas.

The course duration of admission is 7-10 days, depending on the stage of the disease and the presence of concomitant pathologies. Medicines are taken strictly for their intended purpose, the recommended time interval is maintained.

The clinical assessment of the effectiveness of the therapy is given on the basis of the attenuation of the symptoms of localized inflammation, the normalization of body temperature, and the improvement of the general condition.

As an instrumental control over the healing process, a microbiological assessment of the condition of the skin on the leg is used.

Immunomodulators

Along with antibiotics, the doctor will prescribe immunomodulatory and desensitizing therapy to the patient. They are necessary to cleanse the body of toxins produced during the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms.

Toxins cause an individual allergic reaction. For the purpose of warning negative reactions desensitization drugs are used. Usually it is "Dimedrol", which allows to reduce the severity of allergic manifestations.

Immunomodulator Taktivin

Immunomodulators are used as a stimulator of the rate of the immune response to streptococcus. In appointments, you can meet "Taktivin", "Timalin", "Decalis".

In the presence of concomitant systemic or chronic diseases, the treatment regimen includes antistreptococcal serum or a complex of toxoids.

Ointments and creams

Erysipelas on the leg also implies treatment with local preparations. External funds give sustainable result, since creams and ointments are applied directly to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin affected by streptococcus.

For example, chlorethyl lotions give a cooling effect, which in the first few days of an acute period can reduce the intensity of pain. At the same time, it is recommended to apply bandages soaked in an antiseptic solution.

The drug is designed to cause the death of the streptococcal pathogen and stop the process of activation of the secondary pathogenic flora, which aggravates the clinical picture of erysipelas.

Physiotherapy

Antibiotics for erysipelas will not be able to fully help if the patient ignores the appointment of a physiotherapist. To restore the skin and soft tissues, it is necessary to normalize the disturbed metabolism.

Physiotherapy can reduce the number of recurrences of erysipelas, and then completely recover.

In most cases, directional ultraviolet irradiation is sufficient. Streptococci die under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, and, ultimately, with the help of antibiotics and physiotherapy, it is possible to completely defeat the pathogen.

Only pathologically altered areas of the skin can be irradiated. With a migratory form of erysipelas, the issue of irradiating the entire surface of the leg is considered.

Patients with a recurrent type of the disease are also shown other physiotherapeutic methods of treatment, for example, paraffin and ozokerite therapy. The effect of these procedures is based on thermal exposure, which helps to stop the reproduction of streptococcus.

Microcirculation also improves, due to which immunocompetent cells that are actively working in the focus of inflammation are delivered to the affected area.

In the acute period, hydrocortisone is prescribed (phono- and electrophoresis). This is an anti-inflammatory agent.

How to treat erysipelas on the leg if an abscess has developed at the site of the lesion or phlegmon has appeared? In this case, the patient is transferred to the surgical department, where, under local anesthesia, the doctor opens the abscess, removes the pus and installs a drain for its subsequent outflow.

Thus, purulent intoxication is prevented.

Treatment at home

Treatment of erysipelas of the leg at home is possible, but official medicine does not recommend resorting to such means without consulting an infectious disease specialist and preliminary diagnosis.

A well-established remedy that helps speed up recovery is a compress from a thick layer of potatoes grated on a coarse grater. It is applied during the night's sleep, directly over the area affected by streptococcus.

The treatment of erysipelas is carried out by infectious disease specialists and surgeons. Uncomplicated forms of erysipelas on the leg are subject to treatment in infectious diseases departments, and to carry out therapy, for example, phlegmonous-necrotic forms, is the prerogative of surgical specialists.

In the treatment of erysipelas on the leg, the most effective way is the use of antibacterial drugs, which is based on the etiological role of hemolytic streptococcus.

According to reviews, among the most effective antibiotics it is necessary to highlight erythromycin, penicillins, clindamycin, which are taken both orally and parenterally.

Topical application in the form of ointments (erythromycin ointment) and powders is also shown.

In uncomplicated forms of the disease, to improve lymphovenous drainage, prevent thrombosis, and quickly eliminate edema of the affected limb, a gradual application of compression zinc-gelatin dressings is indicated.

In addition to antibiotic therapy, physiotherapy is also prescribed. In particular, local ultraviolet irradiation, the effect of light discharges of electric current, and laser exposure in the infrared light range are used.

A good result is obtained by cryotherapy, in which the surface layers of the skin are frozen until whitened.

Methods that can be used to treat skin inflammation are associated with antibacterial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, folk remedies.

The drug method involves the use of antibiotics, tablets that will help relieve inflammation. The disease can be treated with allergy drugs if the disease has passed into the chronic stage.

At the initial stage, treatment with a method using folk remedies is possible.

Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis or (in most cases) inpatient with hospitalization in an infectious diseases hospital.

  1. To suppress erysipelas of the legs, antibiotics are necessarily used, which can be taken in the form of tablets or injections. It can be erythromycin, furazolidol or others. The course of antibiotic treatment can be from 7 to 10 days. In some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. Also, since the disease is directly related to a decrease in immunity, a complex of vitamins is prescribed.
  2. In addition to the internal fight against the disease, an ointment containing an antibiotic will be highly effective, as well as treatment of the affected skin area with furatsilin.
  3. Apply different kinds physiotherapy, such as exposure to ultraviolet radiation or high frequency currents, as well as laser therapy.
  4. In severe cases, the treatment is prescribed in a complex way, taking into account medications that support the work of the heart, kidneys and other internal organs.

Symptoms of erysipelas of the leg and treatment are always closely related. Doctors, during a visual examination and laboratory tests, determine the severity of the disease and choose the best treatment option.

When light flow or recurrence, treatment of erysipelas on the leg can occur on an outpatient basis, if the disease has become severe or advanced, the doctor will definitely suggest hospitalization.

First of all, regardless of the form and course, the doctor will recommend which antibiotics to take for erysipelas of the leg. Drugs can be administered orally or intramuscularly.

The most effective and effective in the fight against streptococcus remain drugs of the penicillin group (Amoxicillin, Ospamox). Furazolidone, Erythromycin can be combined with them to enhance the effect.

The antibiotics prescribed by the doctor must be drunk or pierced in a full course!

Treatment of symptoms of erysipelas of the leg with ointment has its own characteristics. It should be applied only to the prepared area of ​​​​the skin. It is recommended to pre-treat with a solution of furacilin, which will help to avoid secondary infection and the addition of an additional infection.

To help the body resist the disease on its own, it is necessary to treat with immunostimulants. These can be vitamin complexes or biostimulants that provide fast healing wounds and recovery of the body after severe intoxication.

To strengthen the nerve endings in the affected limb, B vitamins are prescribed.

Eating foods with vitamin B will help the body recover faster.

If the patient has a high temperature, inflammatory processes begin on the skin, then it is recommended to use antipyretics (Aspirin, Ibuprofen), anti-inflammatory drugs (Baralgin, Reopirin, Diclofenac).

If the signs of intoxication of the body are pronounced and long time do not disappear, then the patient is injected intravenously with a solution of glucose, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids and diuretics.

In case of frequent relapses, treatment can be supplemented with hormonal therapy with Prednisolone.

Remember! Erysipelatous disease requires a lot of time for a complete cure, while therapy should be aimed not only at recovery, but also at preventing serious complications.

Ultraviolet irradiation helps to kill infection in wounds and on the skin

In addition to drug treatment of erysipelas of the leg, the following procedures are prescribed:

  • ultraviolet irradiation;
  • weak discharges of current;
  • high frequency current;
  • laser therapy.

If the lymph flow is disturbed in the limb, then it is recommended to carry out:

  • ozocerite;
  • magnetotherapy;
  • electrophoresis with "Lidase".

The use of these methods avoids the development of elephantiasis of the affected limb.

If the disease is severe or high probability complications may require surgical intervention. The doctor performs an autopsy of watery vesicles and removes the accumulated fluid to the outside.

After that, the resulting wounds are treated with an antiseptic. After surgery, an ointment with an antibiotic and analgesic effect can be applied until the wounds are completely healed.

The operation is extreme method prescribed by the doctor

How to treat erysipelas of the leg at home? First you need to consult a doctor and determine the severity of the disease.

Remember! The use of traditional medicine recipes is possible only after agreement with the attending physician!

Among the most popular and effective recipes are the following:

It is necessary to treat erysipelas with both local and common methods. The duration of treatment for this disease can take from one week to several months.

To cure this disease, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, drugs that increase immunity, as well as drugs that reduce the permeability of small blood vessels are often prescribed.

A patient with erysipelas must drink plenty of fluids, and also take drugs that reduce toxic effect streptococcus.

Local therapy is prescribed as an auxiliary method. It is used only for extensive vesicular lesions.

As a local therapy, the bubbles are cut, as a result of which they are emptied. Then bandages with disinfectant solutions are put in their places.

After the acute phenomena subside, the patient is prescribed drugs that stimulate tissue repair.

In folk medicine, you can also find remedies that will help get rid of this disease.

As a remedy, crushed and sifted chalk or rye flour is used. These remedies should be sprinkled on the affected areas every morning, then covered with a red woolen cloth and bandaged. After several such procedures, erysipelas disappears.

There is another way. To do this, insist twenty grams of dope seeds in a glass of boiling water. After that, this infusion should be filtered and half diluted with water. Compresses are usually made with such water and applied to the affected areas.

You can also take three grams boric acid, twelve grams xeroform, eight grams white streptocide and thirty grams of white sugar. These ingredients should be mixed and sprinkled with this mixture on the affected areas of the skin.

Before this, it is necessary to treat the face with hydrogen peroxide and, before covering the wound, put a double layer of gauze on it. This powder should be used twice a day.

The material was updated on 04/25/2017

Patients during treatment need to eat right. It is important to exclude irritating substances from the diet (spices, spicy dishes alcohol, coffee, chocolate).

You need to drink at least 3 liters of fluid per day. It is recommended to drink alkaline mineral water.

You need to enrich your diet vegetable fats, easily digestible proteins (they are found in fish, meat and seafood).

You need to walk more often. Physical activity should be limited.

In the acute period of the disease and in the remission phase, physiotherapy is indicated. The most frequently performed are ultraviolet irradiation, drug electrophoresis, laser treatment, paraffin treatment.

Despite the fact that the disease is not contagious, simple hygiene measures must be observed:

  • change clothes and bedding regularly;
  • wash every day;
  • dry the skin after taking a shower;
  • wipe the affected limb with herbal decoctions.

Treatment with folk remedies can harm, so you do not need to self-medicate. Thus, erysipelas of the legs is very common.

To prevent this disease, it is necessary to treat in a timely manner. chronic pathology, harden, enhance immunity, lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid wearing tight clothes and shoes, avoid injury to the skin of the legs, wash the body more often.

The main method of treating the disease with traditional methods is penicillin therapy.

Most people suffering from an infectious disease can be cured at home, but still keep their doctor informed. Another category needs full rehabilitation. In case of missed and severe form, hospitalization of the patient is required. Therefore, treatment in the hospital will effectively affect the human body and help in recovery in a short time.

Depending on the severity of the health condition, the doctor prescribes appropriate medical therapy using appropriate medications. With proper treatment, adverse symptoms disappear within five days.

The duration of rehabilitation lasts for ten to fourteen days.

Antibiotics, such as penicillin, are the most common treatment for erysipelas. First you need to take a prescription from a doctor and purchase a remedy that is in great demand.

Before using this medication, you must read the instructions. After all, each organism perceives this or that drug in its own way.

The use of antimicrobial drugs

The basis of therapy for patients with erysipelas of the legs are antibiotics and antimicrobials(antiseptics). The drugs of choice are penicillins, macrolides, tetracyclines, and cephalosporins. The most commonly used drugs are:

  • Phenoxymethylpenicillin;
  • Benzylpenicillin;
  • Bicillin-5;
  • Levomycentin;
  • doxycycline;
  • Erythromycin.

If you are concerned about frequent relapses of the disease, then antibiotics from two different pharmacological groups are used. Initially, treatment is carried out with penicillins, and then with lincosamides (Lincomycin).

The antibiotic Bicillin-5 is suitable for the prevention of recurrence of erysipelas. Antibacterial drugs are selected by the attending physician, taking into account their tolerance to patients, the age of the patient and contraindications.

They are used orally in the form of capsules, tablets, powders, or as an injectable solution. Nitrofurans and sulfonamides are used less frequently for erysipelas.

Systemic therapy is combined with local. In the latter case, antiseptic solutions (Furacillin, Dimexide), powders and aerosols are used.

Local therapy is carried out in the presence of a blistering rash. Ointments and compresses are often used.

As a general rule, the affected part of the body, i.e. the leg, should be raised higher than the rest of the body. Thus, it is possible to reduce the swelling and remove the edema.

For example, it is desirable to partly lie on the couch with a raised leg and rest as long as possible. During this period, the leg should be raised above the hip.

To support the legs in this position, you can use pillows. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and get up from time to time.

Home treatment options

Infusion of red elderberry will help get rid of inflammation on the skin

Treatment of erysipelas with folk remedies is very diverse. Consider a few folk remedies with which you can cure the face on the leg. Choose those that are well tolerated by your body.

Possible complications and prognosis

If the disease is not treated in time, or if you do not go to the doctor at all, then the following complications are possible:

  • abscess formation;
  • development of phlegmon;
  • gangrene of the limb;
  • inflammation lymphatic vessels;
  • lymphostasis (stagnation of lymph);
  • thrombophlebitis of the veins of the lower extremities;
  • sepsis;
  • thromboembolism;
  • heart failure;
  • kidney damage by type of glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis;
  • increased keratinization of the skin (hyperkeratosis);
  • the appearance of papillomas;
  • development of eczema;
  • lymphorrhea (outflow of lymph).

With proper treatment, erysipelas on the arm, after 2-3 weeks, can go away on its own. Redness and swelling will subside and will soon disappear altogether. But pigmentation may remain. Relapses are possible.

New erysipelas can subsequently lead to:

  • stagnation of the lymph;
  • insufficiency of lymphatic circulation;
  • thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery;
  • sepsis;
  • necrosis of the skin;
  • thrombophlebitis.

All this indicates untimely treatment and progression of the disease.

Complications, as a rule, are caused by untimely access to doctors, self-medication, and the addition of a secondary infection. The risk group includes people with diabetes mellitus, HIV-infected people who have had meningitis, pneumonia.

Erysipelatous inflammation with complications can lead to the formation of trophic ulcers on the arm, lymphostasis, abscess, suppuration and thickening of the skin, which will greatly complicate the treatment, and may even endanger the life of the patient himself.

Prevention

Having calculated the causes, pathogens of the disease, you should try to avoid them. If inflammation begins after an insect bite, you need to use repellents. The erysipelas came after an injury, you need to protect your leg from possible wounds, burns.

Given the fact that the disease is contagious, the disease is contagious. The presence of a predisposition to the disease, allergies to infectious agent, damage to the skin should be a concern when in contact with a person whose skin has lesions of erysipelas.

Living next to an infected person leads to the need to limit communication. The disease in children may be more severe due to the fact that it is more difficult for them to control themselves when they want to scratch the skin.

To avoid skin lesions in children, you need to separate them from a sick person, make sure there are no wounds on the skin through which infection can enter.

Faced with inflammation on the leg, the next time a person, noting the signs of the disease, should turn to treatment methods in advance in order to avoid serious consequences and complications.

Keeping track of your health, the condition of the skin is the responsibility of every person!

Prevention of the development of erysipelas is possible if the treatment of inflammatory processes is carried out in a timely manner, and the factors that will contribute to the appearance of the disease are eliminated.

It is extremely important to carry out timely therapy of diabetes mellitus, disorders vascular system in the lower extremities, fungal infections of the foot.

Unfortunately, erysipelas is characterized by frequent relapses. If the disease manifests itself more often than 2 times a year, then doctors are already talking about the presence of a chronic form. To avoid frequent relapses, you must adhere to the following rules:

  1. Avoid hypothermia, sudden temperature changes in the room or at work.
  2. Timely respond to the onset of the inflammatory process.

Remember! By starting the treatment of inflammation of the skin, you can block the spread of the disease at the initial stage!

  1. At the slightest suspicion of a fungal infection of the foot, immediately contact a dermatologist to select the necessary medication.
  2. Daily wash feet, body, observe personal hygiene.
  3. Constantly strengthen the immune system, play sports, walk in the fresh air.
  4. Follow a personalized treatment and recovery plan that your doctor will recommend.
  5. Use long-acting drugs that prevent the activation and reproduction of streptococcus in the body. These medications can only be taken with a doctor's prescription. The course can vary from several months to a year.

Erysipelatous inflammation of the leg is a fairly common disease that has vivid and unpleasant symptoms. To avoid the development of the disease, you need to systematically monitor your health, engage in spores, eat right and not self-medicate.

A consultation with a doctor will always help to avoid the development of serious complications and health problems.

Avoiding infection in wounds is one of the ways to prevent the disease.

To protect yourself from erysipelas and its relapses, you must follow a few simple tips. They are recommended for those who have a predisposition to the disease.

  1. Disinfect microtraumas and wounds, prevent dirt from getting into them.
  2. Wear comfortable shoes to avoid blisters on your feet.
  3. In chronic diseases of the nasopharynx, rinse the nose thoroughly.
  4. Timely eliminate skin diseases, especially those caused by streptococcal infection.
  5. If there have been cases of recurrence of erysipelas, it should be observed by a doctor for another two years.
  6. Do not overcool, beware of any sudden change in temperature.
  7. Quickly get rid of the fungus on the feet and do not wear someone else's shoes, so as not to get infected with it.

There is no specific specificity and prevention for erysipelas.

Development can be prevented if:

  • do not neglect the rules of personal hygiene, wearing loose clothing and shoes made from natural fabrics;
  • use soap when showering with lactic acid to create a protective layer on the skin;
  • treat immediately any damage, abrasions on the skin with antiseptics;
  • avoid exposure to ultraviolet radiation, chapping, frostbite of the extremities.

Erysipelas is a common ailment, and it is treated fairly quickly with timely medication. A neglected disease will eventually lead to a chronic relapsing course, scarring on the arm, swelling, and lymph stagnation.

Symptoms will recur from time to time, up to the appearance of stiffness in the joints, constant pain, limited mobility and disability.

You can not ignore the appearance of a red, itchy and flaky spot on the arm. Perhaps a streptococcal infection occurred.

The sooner the better to seek advice from a dermatologist.

The disease is contagious: lesions should only be treated with gloves, and after the procedure, hands and tools must be disinfected. The used dressing material is disposed of.

The second step of protection is considered to be the elimination of all visible foci of streptococcus in the body: acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract, oral cavity, including caries and the like.

An important preventive measure is personal hygiene of the body, wearing clean clothes that touch the skin, and regular cleaning of the home and workplace.

Strengthening the immune system with herbal remedies, drinking herbal and anti-inflammatory teas that purify the blood, it is recommended to start after consulting a doctor.

Erysipelatous inflammation occurs due to streptococcus, which causes infection by penetrating through microtraumas in the skin. The presence of erysipelas is manifested in redness, swelling, a shiny area of ​​​​the skin, sometimes accompanied by high fever and nausea. Treatment of this disease at home is permissible after consulting a doctor.

Erysipelas on the leg - symptoms of the disease

From infection with streptococcus to the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease, it can take up to ten days. At first, there is a general malaise:

  • weakness, loss of strength;
  • headache;
  • chills;
  • muscle pain;
  • lack of appetite, nausea;
  • indigestion - vomiting, diarrhea;
  • elevated body temperature.

Not later than 24 hours after the first symptoms, the following appear: the skin on the affected area turns red, becomes painful. There is swelling and burning, sensations of tension, tension of the skin. The remaining symptoms of erysipelas on the leg depend on the form of the disease. This may be the appearance of erythrema with fuzzy edges, peeling or peeling of the upper layer of the skin, the appearance of blisters filled with a clear or bloody fluid.

Treatment at home

Such an unpleasant and painful disease as erysipelas can be treated at home. To do this, use medicines, folk remedies, various ointments.

Antibiotics

Erysipelas is a serious infectious disease caused by streptococcus. This inflammation of the skin quickly progresses and spreads. Therefore, the most effective method of treatment is medication, namely antibiotic therapy, which is administered intramuscularly. In especially severe and advanced forms, drugs are administered intravenously.

For the treatment of erysipelas on the leg is mainly used:

  • Erythromycin;
  • Penicillin;
  • Lincomycin;
  • Tetracycline;
  • Levomycetin.

The necessary antibiotic is prescribed after the study and the results of the tests. The minimum course of treatment is a week. In severe cases - 14 days or more. The most effective is complex treatment, when, along with antibiotics, immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory drugs are taken. Vitamins are welcome. Well established in the treatment of erysipelas physiotherapy - electrophoresis and ultraviolet irradiation.

Ointments

Treatment of erysipelas with ointment is effective in local therapy, when it is necessary to destroy external foci of bacteria and reduce the pain syndrome that occurs with erysipelas. In such a situation, enteroseptol or erythromycin ointment is used. With the bullous form of erysipelas, the surgeon cuts the resulting blisters and squeezes out their contents. After that, a bandage moistened with a solution of furacilin or rivanol is applied to the damaged areas of the skin.

With an erymatous-hemorrhagic form of erysipelas, it is recommended to apply dibunol liniment twice a day. Also use an ointment prepared at home. Chamomile and yarrow juice is mixed with butter in a ratio of 1:4. This ointment is applied to the affected areas three times a day, these are the most effective ointments for erysipelas.

streptocide

Streptocide for the treatment of erysipelas on the leg is used in the form of powder, tablets, ointment and liniment. The effectiveness of this drug is explained by antimicrobial properties in relation to streptococci. When taken orally, 0.5-1 gram is prescribed 4-5 times a day. When vomiting occurs, the drug is administered as a solution intravenously or intramuscularly.

Streptocid ointment is also used for erysipelas 10% and liniment 5%. In this case, the ointment, with erysipelas on the leg, is applied directly to the affected area or to a gauze bandage that is applied to erysipelas. In addition, powders directly on the wound with streptocide powder, previously sterilized, are effective.

Vishnevsky ointment

In the absence of complications, Vishnevsky ointment can be used for erysipelas. Its effectiveness is explained by the substances present in its composition, which contribute to an increase in exudation and the formation and rupture of bubbles. Vishnevsky's balm against erysipelas is applied to a gauze bandage, which is wrapped around the damaged areas of the skin on the leg. The dressing is changed after twelve hours. However, in more severe forms of erysipelas, the ointment is not recommended. It promotes vasodilation and can aggravate the situation.

Beaver stream treatment

Beaver stream has bactericidal, healing properties, improves immunity. Therefore, it is effective in erysipelas on the leg. Beaver stream is recommended to be taken in the form of a powder. To prepare it, the dried stream is rubbed on a grater, then pounded in a mortar to a powdery state. Use once a day in an amount corresponding to the size of a match head. The course of treatment is two months, with a break for a month.

Folk remedies

How to get rid of erysipelas on the leg quickly and at home? This will help folk remedies.

Chalk

A well-known and effective traditional medicine in the treatment of erysipelas on the leg is chalk. For the procedure, the chalk must be crushed to a powder state. Then sprinkle it on the affected areas of the skin and wrap it with a red cloth. Above is a towel. The compress is done at night. To the powder, you can add crushed chamomile flowers and sage leaves in equal proportions.

Herbal treatment

Prepare homemade ointments for erysipelas, for this you will need the following mixtures:

  • mix dry chamomile leaves with coltsfoot grass leaves in equal proportions;
  • add a little honey and apply the resulting mixture on the affected area of ​​the skin, leaving for half an hour.

Yarrow has long been famous big list its capabilities so much that the ancient Greeks created a legend about it. In eliminating the infection, this folk remedy for erysipelas on the leg is quite capable of helping:

  • take some dried herbs and mix with butter;
  • Apply to the affected area several times a day, without washing off for half an hour or an hour.

The burdock leaf, which is used for many purposes, also has considerable benefits:

  • knead a fresh, only plucked leaf and mix with thick sour cream;
  • apply several times a day until the redness subsides.

Important! Instead of store-bought sour cream, it is preferable to choose a more natural one.

Plantain

Everyone knows about the properties of plantain. In the treatment of such an unpleasant infection as erysipelas, it is also quite effective:

  • pick a few young plantain leaves, finely chop and mix with honey in the same ratio;
  • boil the mass over low heat, cover tightly and let it brew for several hours;
  • in the same way, apply to the reddened place for several minutes.

Sage

Sage, which has extensive positive properties and many vitamins, can also come in handy:

  • grind dry leaves to form a powder and add the same amount of chalk;
  • sprinkle on a sore spot, tie a bandage on top and leave for a couple of hours;

Important! It is necessary to change the bandage with this composition at least four times a day.

Ruta has a strong analgesic effect, the recipe is recommended for discomfort:

  • crush the usual medicinal rue in the same ratio with ghee;
  • lubricate the affected part of the skin a couple of times a day.

The following recipe is a decoction that has an extremely effective, antiseptic effect:

  • take in equal quantities dandelion flowers, nettle, calendula, horsetail, oak bark, thorn flowers and blackberries;
  • after mixing everything, boil for about ten minutes over low heat, in an amount of water two to three times more than the amount of herbs;
  • Wash the affected area with this decoction several times a day.

Propolis ointment will also help in the treatment.

Treatment with bark and roots of herbs

If possible, purchase bird cherry or lilac bark to prepare this compress:

  • chop oak or lilac bark as much as possible;
  • add a little heated water, then put the composition on gauze, build a compress;
  • keep it near the affected area for half an hour - an hour.

The following recipe comes from Tajikistan, where people have been using it for several hundred years:

  • get soapwort roots, grind to a powder state;
  • adding a little hot water stir;
  • apply to the leg area three to four times a day.

Raspberries

Raspberries are not only tasty, but also a useful plant:

  • pluck some of the top branches of the raspberries along with the leaves on them;
  • pour boiling water over it and let it brew for several hours;
  • wash the infected skin area.

If a turn grows near you, this recipe will help to defeat the disease more quickly:

  • collect the top layer of the bark, grind into one teaspoon, and boil for 15 minutes;
  • dilute the prepared broth with water.

Important! Do not apply undiluted product to the skin, as it has a fairly strong concentration, and you risk only aggravating the skin condition.

Coltsfoot

Coltsfoot can be taken simultaneously as a compress and as a decoction inside, which guarantees a more effective and faster elimination of the infection:

  • crush dry leaves into powder and pure form apply to the desired area of ​​the skin;
  • prepare a decoction from a teaspoon of dry leaves and a glass of boiling water;
  • take a decoction three times a day, one teaspoon.

Potato

Potatoes, in addition to cooking, can also serve well in the home treatment of erysipelas:

  • grate the potatoes on a fine grater until juice is released from it;
  • soak in it a gauze bandage folded in several layers;
  • change three to four times a day.

bird cherry

In the presence of bird cherry bark, the following recipe is in no way inferior to the previous ones:

  • grind the bird cherry bark to a powder;
  • breed warm water and, having built a compress, apply several times a day until complete recovery.

Honey

Honey, a wide list of healing actions of which probably no product can repeat, in the treatment of this infection works just as well:

  • mix a tablespoon of honey with two tablespoons of flour and ground elderberry leaves;
  • apply by changing bandages once an hour.

Important! Before treatment, make sure that there is no allergy to honey.

Celery

Celery will cope well with the disease from the inside, because erysipelas attacks both the body and the epidermis at the same time:

  • one celery root, preferably weighing about a kilogram, rinse well and dry well;
  • pass it through a meat grinder;
  • for a stronger effect, add three tablespoons of golden mustache leaves and one tablespoon of honey to the resulting mixture;
  • mix the resulting mass and leave in the refrigerator for two weeks;
  • Take one tablespoon at least three times daily before meals.

When treating ailments at home, remember that the effectiveness of the healing effect depends on an accurate diagnosis.

The task of the human skin is to protect internal organs, maintain thermal balance, metabolism and prevent the penetration of microbes. However, sometimes the epidermis itself is attacked by pathogenic microorganisms, resulting in dermatological pathologies.

Erysipelas and the reasons for its appearance

Erysipelas - infectious nature a disease characterized by acute inflammation of the skin in a certain part of the body.

The culprit of the infection is group A streptococcus, which enters the skin through breaks. different nature. Small cuts, abrasions, scratches, scratches, an insect bite can become an open portal for him.

The bacterium itself can be in the skin for a long time, without giving itself away. Often, carriers of a gram-positive microbe do not even suspect that they are at risk of the disease. But the inflammatory process begins to develop rapidly as soon as it is provoked by external factors:

  • trauma;
  • sudden change in temperature;
  • Tan;
  • stressful situations;
  • breakdown.

In addition to these factors, erysipelas can develop as a result of other diseases:

  • obesity;
  • alcoholism;
  • diabetes;
  • varicose veins;
  • trophic ulcers;
  • thrombophlebitis;
  • fungus on the legs;
  • chronic somatic diseases that lower the performance of the immune system.

If this is what caused the erysipelas on the leg, then treatment should begin with these pathologies.

The male gender of working age and women over 40 years of age are most at risk of erysipelas. Especially if the type of employment involves hard physical labor. Babies also suffer from erysipelas. But for them, this is a special danger that can lead to death.

Before starting the treatment of erysipelas on the leg, it is necessary to correctly determine the disease itself by the symptoms.

Erysipelas symptoms

The first signs of the disease are manifested in the form of a cold. Therefore, the patient does not immediately understand what is the true cause of poor health. However, the condition worsens further, appear:

  • chills;
  • the temperature rises to 39-40 ° C and a headache occurs;
  • severe weakness;
  • acute muscle pain throughout the body;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • at a very high temperature, hallucinations, delirium, convulsions, up to loss of consciousness, are possible.

In a day they appear bright severe symptoms local character. The affected area is strongly stretched. Itching, swelling, burning and redness caused by hemolysis in the lower leg. Hence the name of the pathology - erysipelas, as a derivative of the French rouge - that is, "red".

The patient practically loses the ability to move independently, without the help of crutches or relatives. Every step or movement brings unbearable pain.

When you press your finger on the focus of inflammation, the redness disappears for a moment. The stain itself is much hotter to the touch than uninfected tissue. Hyperemic skin has clear uneven boundaries.

Lymph nodes in the popliteal and groin area become inflamed. In their direction, dense lymphatic vessels are clearly distinguished under the skin, which means the development of lymphangitis.

In no case should you postpone the treatment of erysipelas on the leg.

Forms of erysipelas

According to the nature of the local manifestations of the disease, experts distinguish 6 forms of erysipelas:

  1. Erythematous. Translated from the Greek "erythema" - red. The skin becomes bright red. Rough boundaries are well defined. Subsequently, peeling of the growth is possible.
  2. Erythematous bullous. From the Latin bulla - bubble. Similarly to the first form, the skin turns red. After 2-3 days, the uppermost layers of the skin exfoliate and a bubble forms with a colorless liquid, which contains a huge number of streptococci. When opening the bubble, it is necessary to carry out a thorough disinfection. With successful treatment, new skin will appear in this place. Otherwise, erosion occurs.
  3. Erythematous-hemorrhagic. In the area of ​​erythema are affected blood capillaries and hemorrhages of various sizes occur.
  4. Bullous-hemorrhagic. As with the erythematous-bullous form, blisters form, but they are filled with bloody fluid.
  5. Gangrenous. Areas of the skin die, necrosis occurs.
  6. Wandering. With this form, the lesion is displaced to the nearest areas. And the initial ones are regenerated after peeling. Babies mostly suffer from this type of erysipelas. And with the active spread of inflammation, the child may die.

The disease can occur in 3 stages: mild, moderate and severe.

At the first stage, the erythema is small in size, and the body temperature does not reach 39 ° C. With an average - there are more lesions, the temperature is kept at around 39-40 ° C for 4-5 days. In severe form, if the treatment of erysipelas on the leg is not started on time, the temperature reaches critical levels. Delusions, hallucinations, and symptoms of meningitis begin.

Below is a photo of the erysipelas on the leg. Treatment is best done in a hospital.

Consequences of the disease

With erysipelas, timely treatment is very important. medical services. Since the neglect of the process can result in serious complications:

  • ulcers;
  • necrosis;
  • abscess;
  • disorders in the genitourinary and cardiovascular system;
  • lymphostasis (elephantiasis).
  • phlegmon.

Diagnostic measures

With such a disease, they turn to a dermatologist and an infectious disease specialist. As a rule, a local examination is sufficient to determine the diagnosis. But sometimes additional tests are prescribed to exclude other similar diseases. This is a blood test. It is taken to detect the presence of immunoglobulins to streptococcus.

Having determined the diagnosis reliably, doctors prescribe the appropriate treatment for erysipelas on the leg.

Treatment

Depending on the severity of the infection, the treatment of erysipelas on the leg is prescribed. In mild forms, the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis at home.

In moderate or severe form, stationary conditions are necessary. Here's what you can do:

  1. Of course, here you can not do without antibiotics. They are supplemented with vitamins, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory and drugs that increase the efficiency of the immune system.
  2. Also, in case of illness (erysipelas on the leg), treatment is carried out using local procedures in the form of ointments, powders and solutions.
  3. Shown cryotherapy and physiotherapy.
  4. In especially severe cases, surgical intervention is necessary.
  5. Many patients prefer folk treatment of erysipelas on the leg. Spells and herbs are used.

Like the causes, the treatment of erysipelas on the leg is very diverse.

Medications

The article presents a photo of erysipelas on the leg. The most effective treatment for the disease is medication.

Antibiotics. To eliminate streptococcus, antibiotics from the group of macrolides, cephalosporins and penicillins, drugs of the fluoroquinolone and tetracycline groups are prescribed. This:

  • penicillin;
  • erythromycin;
  • pefloxacin;
  • lincomycin;
  • chloramphenicol;
  • ampicillin;
  • spiramycin and many others.

Vitamins:

  • "Panheksavit";
  • "Ascorutin".

Antihistamines:

  • "Loratadin";
  • "Suprastin";
  • "Dimedrol".

Painkillers:

  • "Analgin";
  • "Baralgin";
  • "Ibuprofen";
  • "Reopirin" and others.

Immunostimulants:

  • "Taktivin";
  • "Decaris";
  • "Immunal" and others.

The most effective treatment for erysipelas on the leg is complex therapy.

Local treatment:

  • ointment "Levomekol" or "Baneocin";
  • furacilin solution;
  • aerosol "Oxycyclosol";
  • powder "Enteroseptol";
  • Dimexide solution.

However, synthomycin, ichthyol ointment and Vishnevsky ointment cannot be used categorically. They can provoke an increased inflammatory process, which will lead to an abscess.

Cryotherapy. The main methods are concluded in the treatment of cold.

Physiotherapy. UV and ozokeritotherapy, laser therapy, electrophoresis.

Surgery. Open abscesses, blisters. Remove dead tissue.

Alternative treatment of erysipelas on the leg

The photo shows ways to treat this disease with folk methods.

Alternative medicine has always been a success. Many patients still prefer alternative medical care methods to this day.

It is difficult to say unequivocally which is the most effective treatment for erysipelas on the leg. There are a lot of recipes. Herbs, conspiracies, improvised means are used. But many argue that the treatment of erysipelas on the leg at home is possible.

Below is a table with the most common prescriptions for topical use.

Components

Cooking method

Number of receptions

Burdock, sour cream

Finely chop 1 fresh leaf of the plant and mix with sour cream. Apply the paste on the affected skin

Do until the redness subsides completely

Sage, chalk

Make a powder from the dry leaves of the herb. Mix (proportion 1:1) powder and chalk. Apply to erythema and bandage

Up to 2 times a day
Potato

Squeeze juice from fresh tubers. Soak gauze in it and apply to the skin in the affected area.

Apply up to 4 times in 24 hours
Chalk

Make a powder and apply to the affected area. Cover with a piece of red cloth, preferably wool. Tie a bandage on top

Perform the procedure once a day
Plantain, honey

1 st. l. crushed leaf mixed with 1 tbsp. l. honey. Boil and leave for 5 hours. Use as an ointment

Lubricate the lesion 2 times a day
Datura

2 tbsp. l. boil and leave for 30 minutes. Strain the decoction and mix with cold water in a ratio of 1:1. Soak a gauze in the solution and apply to the skin

Make lotions up to 3 times a day
Honey

Soak pieces of silk cloth in honey and apply to the affected area. Top with a bandage

1 compress for 3 days
yarrow

Pour the washed leaves with boiling water. Then cool and apply to the affected area. Wrap with a bag or film and fix with a bandage. When the leaves dry out, replace with new ones.

Do 7 times
Cottage cheese

Make compresses from fresh cottage cheese. Apply in a thin layer. When dry, change to a new one.

You can apply a compress up to 5 times a day

Cabbage Make lotions from fresh juice of cabbage leaves Do up to 3 times a day
Butter, chamomile, yarrow Mix the ingredients in proportions 4:1:1. Apply as an ointment for erythema. Helps even with severe bullous stages Lubricate 3 times in 24 hours
Raspberries Pour fresh raspberry leaves with boiling water and insist for several hours. Then strain and use napkins or gauze soaked in the infusion to apply to the skin. Can be done until redness is gone

Treatment of erysipelas on the leg with folk remedies is most often effective at the initial stage of the disease.

In the photo above - the most effective treatment for erysipelas on the leg is a red rag. It is with her help, according to many patients, grandmothers treat this disease.

Orally:

  1. Eleutherococcus tincture. Drink before breakfast 20 drops. Throughout the month.
  2. Burnet, licorice, calamus, nettle, yarrow, cudweed and eucalyptus. Mix the same amount of each raw material, grind. 2 tbsp. l. Pour the mixture with a glass of boiling water and insist in a thermos for about 3 hours. Take three times a day for fifty grams.
  3. Coltsfoot. 1 tsp raw materials pour a glass of boiling water and leave for 3 hours. Take 3 p. per day for 1 tsp.
  4. Celery, golden mustache, honey. Grind 1 kg of celery with a meat grinder. Then to this gruel add 3 tbsp. l. golden mustache and 1 tbsp. l honey. Mix well and insist in a dark room for 2 weeks. Further on 1 tbsp. l. take 3 times a day.
  5. Drink instead of water "Silver Water" from the pharmacy.
  6. Drink an infusion of echinacea to boost immunity.

According to reviews, the most effective treatment erysipelas on the leg is considered the use of chalk, potatoes and honey.

Nutrition

To make up for the missing amount of vitamins and other useful elements, you must adhere to a diet containing the following products:

  • apples;
  • peaches;
  • pears;
  • apricots;
  • carrot;
  • oranges;
  • new milk.

If fresh fruits are not available, take steamed dried fruits.

It is better to exclude bread, flour dishes, fried, salty for the duration of treatment.

Preventive actions

By adhering to certain rules, the risk of such a disease can be minimized:

  1. Exercising will boost your immune system.
  2. full sleep and healthy eating improve general state organism.
  3. Periodically take tests for the presence of streptococcus in the blood.
  4. Avoid contact with an already infected person.
  5. Instant antiseptic treatment of any damage to the skin.
  6. Carry out frequent hygiene procedures, especially on the legs.
  7. Carefully monitor the work of the venous system.
  8. Avoid sudden changes in temperature.
  9. Don't stress yourself out.
  10. Treat chronic diseases.

During treatment, some things are strictly prohibited. Therefore, experts advise observing these prohibitions so as not to harm the sore leg even more:

  1. When making lotions or powders on the affected area, you can not tightly tie bandages or fabric. Bandage should be soft and very weak.
  2. Every time the bandage needs to be changed, it is necessary to treat the damaged skin with an antiseptic. Disinfection is of great importance in infectious diseases.
  3. It is desirable to provide the patient with complete rest. Even if he is treated as an outpatient, relatives should make sure that no one disturbs him. Moreover, it is better to limit communication with the carrier of the infection.
  4. Do not allow the patient to come into contact with synthetic fabrics. Bedding and clothes should be of natural quality.
  5. Change bed linen daily. Wash at the highest temperatures.
  6. If the treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, be sure to follow the dosage and complete the full course of treatment for taking medication. Otherwise, a relapse is possible and with already more dangerous complications.
  7. To facilitate the method of bandaging, it is better to apply ointments on napkins and apply them to the sore spot.
  8. More often in the shower. Wash the affected area with lukewarm water and soap. Do not rub the skin.
  9. When peeling the skin, the juice of the Kalanchoe plant or rosehip oil will help.

Erysipelas-skin disease, how to cure erysipelas infection

Erysipelas (Red Skin) Red skin, red spot on leg or face

Erysipelas or erysipelas is a soft tissue infection caused by streptococci Streptococcus pyogenes ).Erysipelas are also known as fires of st anthony, the disease begins with a rash on the skin. Erysipelas is one of the infectious diseases of streptococcal origin, so the immune system practically does not recognize it. Usually, infection occurs through damage to the skin (scratches, abrasions), rarely through mucous membranes.

The onset of the disease is acute, with gradually increasing symptoms of intoxication: headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting. At the site of infection, the development of the inflammatory process begins - redness of the skin, swelling, petechial hemorrhages appear. Most frequent localization on the legs and face. Erysipelas infection penetrates through damaged skin of the feet, ulcers, trophic disorders in venous insufficiency and superficial wounds.

The focus of the erysipelas disease is a tense plaque with clear edges, which increases by 2-10 cm per day.

The causative agent is streptococcus erysipelas ( Streptococci "(Streptococcus)" are bacteria that are commonly found harming life in the human respiratory tract, intestines and genitourinary systems. Some species are capable of causing disease in humans, including skin diseases.. ), is stable outside the human body, tolerates drying well and low temperature, perishes when heated to 56 °C for 30 min. The source of the disease is the patient and the carrier. Contagiousness (infectiousness) is insignificant. The disease is registered in the form of individual cases.

Diagnosis of Erysipelas

Erysipelas is diagnosed mainly by the appearance of a rash. Blood tests and skin biopsies are usually not helpful in making a diagnosis. In the past, a saline solution was injected at the edge of the inflammation, aspirated back, and the tank was seeded. This diagnostic method is no longer used because bacteria are not detected in most cases. If there are symptoms such as fever, fatigue, then blood is taken for analysis and a tank is cultured to rule out sepsis.

local symptoms erysipelas are: burning pain and a feeling of heat in the affected area, the appearance of a bright red with sharp jagged border that looks like - "Map". Inflammation of the skin in the area of ​​swelling, the temperature rises, the pain is localized along the periphery of the lesion, the reddened area slightly rises above the level of healthy skin, and rapidly increases. The described symptoms are characteristic of the erythematous form of erysipelas. In the bullous form, blisters form as a result of detachment of the epidermis by exudate. different sizes. The contents of the blisters, rich in streptococci, are very dangerous because the infection is transmitted by contact. The exudate is also purulent and bloody.

Infection occurs mainly when the integrity of the skin is violated by contaminated objects, tools or hands.

By the nature of the lesion are distinguished:
- erythematous form in the form of redness and swelling of the skin;
- hemorrhagic form with the phenomena of permeability of blood vessels and their bleeding;
- bullous form with blisters on inflamed skin filled with serous exudate.

According to the degree of intoxication, they distinguish - light, moderate, heavy. By multiplicity - primary, recurrent, repeated.

According to the prevalence of local manifestations - localized (nose, face, head, back, etc.), wandering (passing from one place to another) and metastatic.

Symptoms and course. The incubation period is from 3 to 5 days. The onset of the disease is acute, sudden. On the first day, the symptoms of general intoxication are more pronounced (severe headache, chills, general weakness, nausea, vomiting, fever up to 39-40C).

erythematous form. After 6-12 hours from the onset of the disease, there is a burning sensation, bursting pain, redness (erythema) and swelling on the skin at the site of inflammation. The area affected by erysipelas is clearly separated from the healthy one by an elevated, sharply painful roller. The skin in the focus area is hot to the touch, tense. If there are small punctate hemorrhages, then they talk about the erythematous-hemorrhagic form of erysipelas. With bullous erysipelas against the background of erythema, bullous elements are formed at various times after its appearance - blisters containing light and clear liquid. Later, they subside, forming dense brown crusts, which are rejected after 2-3 weeks. Erosions and trophic ulcers can form at the site of the blisters. All forms of erysipelas are accompanied by lesions of the lymphatic system - lymphadenitis, lymphangitis.

Primary erysipelas are more often localized on the face, recurrent - on the lower extremities.

There are early relapses (up to 6 months) and late (over 6 months). Concomitant diseases contribute to their development. Of greatest importance are chronic inflammatory foci, diseases of the lymphatic and blood vessels of the lower extremities (phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins); diseases with a pronounced allergic component (bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis), skin diseases (mycoses, peripheral ulcers). Relapses also occur as a result of adverse professional factors.

Duration of the disease: local manifestations of erythematous erysipelas disappear by the 5th-8th day of illness, in other forms they can last more than 10-14 days. Residual manifestations of erysipelas - pigmentation, peeling, pastosity of the skin, the presence of dry dense crusts in place of bullous elements. Perhaps the development of lymphostasis, leading to elephantiasis of the limbs.

Brief historical information about erysipelas

Erysipelas have been known since ancient times. In the writings of ancient authors, it is described under the name erysipelas (Greek erythros - red + Latin pellis - skin). Clinic questions, differential diagnosis and the treatment of erysipelas are devoted to the work of Hippocrates, Celsius, Galen, Abu Ali Ibn Sina. In the second half of the 19th century, N.I. Pirogov and I. Semmelweis described outbreaks of erysipelas in surgical hospitals and maternity hospitals, considering the disease highly contagious. In 1882, I. Feleisen for the first time received a pure culture of streptococcus from a patient with erysipelas. As a result of the subsequent study of the epidemiological features and pathogenetic mechanisms, the success of chemotherapy of erysipelas with sulfonamides and antibiotics, the concept of the disease has changed, it has been classified as a sporadic low-contagious infection. A great contribution to the study of the problems of erysipelas in Soviet time introduced by E.A. Galperin and V.L. Cherkasov.

Treatment of erysipelas with antibiotics

The most effective remedy for erysipelas is penicillin in normal dosages for 5-7 days. After the start of treatment with penicillin, improvement occurs quickly. After a few hours, the body temperature drops, after 2-3 days the border roller and redness turn pale and disappear.

Treat with penicillin V 500 mg orally four times a day for ≥ 2 weeks. In severe cases, penicillin G. Other drug names
BICILLIN
WYCILLIN WYCILLIN

Dicloxacillin 1.2 million units IV d 6 h is indicated, which may be substituted for oral therapy after 36 to 48 h. Dicloxacillin Other drug names
DYCILL DYCILL
DYNAPEN DYNAPEN
PATHOCIL PATHOCI
L

Antibiotics of the macrolide group - erythromycin and oleandomycin at a dose of 6-2.0 g / day are also effective. To potentiate the effect of antibiotic therapy, it was simultaneously proposed to prescribe delagil 0.25 2 times a day for 10 days.
Erythromycin 500 mg orally four times a day for 10 days may be used for staph infections. Erythromycin Other drug names
ERY-TAB ERY-TAB
ERYTHROCIN ERYTHROCIN


penicillin-allergic
500 mg orally four times a day for 10 days may be used in penicillin patients with allergies, however, macrolide resistance is increasing in streptococci. Infections resistant to these antibiotics are cloxacillin by some trade names
nafcillin nafcillin Other drug names
UNIPEN UNIPEN

antifungal treatment may be needed to prevent recurrence.

Of the chemotherapeutic agents, combined preparations of septrin (biseptol) and its domestic analogue sulfatone (4-6 tablets per day) can be used for up to 7-10 days. In order to prevent relapse, bicillin is used.
In the treatment of patients with bullous forms of erysipelas, antiseptic agents are also used topically, for example, a solution of furacilin 1:5000.


Dressings with balm A.V. Vishnevsky, ichthyol ointment, so popular among the people, in this case, erysipelas are contraindicated, as they increase exudation and slow down the healing process. Immunotherapy for erysipelas has not been developed.
With recurrent erysipelas, in order to increase nonspecific resistance, retabolin intramuscularly 2 times 50 mg every 2-3 weeks, promosan is recommended. From oral preparations - methyluracil 2-3 g / day, pentoxin 0.8-0.9 g / day, vitamins, general tonic.
With frequent persistent relapses, tseporin, oxacillin, ampicillin and methicillin are recommended. It is desirable to conduct two courses of antibiotic therapy with a change of drugs (intervals between courses of 7-10 days). For frequently recurring erysipelas, corticosteroids are used daily dosage 30 mg. With persistent infiltration, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are indicated - chlotazol, butadione, reopyrin, etc. It is advisable to prescribe ascorbic acid, routine, vitamins of group B. Autohemotherapy gives good results. In the acute period of the disease, the focus of inflammation is indicated by the appointment of UVI, UHF, followed by the use of ozocerite (paraffin) or naftalan. Local treatment of uncomplicated erysipelas is carried out only with its bullous form: a bulla is incised at one of the edges and dressings with a solution of rivanol, furacilin are applied to the focus of inflammation. Subsequently, dressings with ectericin, Shostakovsky's balm, as well as manganese-vaseline dressings are prescribed.

In an acute process, a good effect was obtained by combining antibiotic therapy with cryotherapy (short-term freezing of the surface layers of the skin with a stream of chlorethine until it turns white).

With the wrong treatment, including the choice of drugs - antibiotics, there is a general intoxication of the body, inflammation of the kidneys and diseases of the cardiovascular system. After suffering an erysipelas, the patient often retains hypersensitivity to the causative agent of the disease and then it becomes chronic. The danger of erysipelas lies in the great tendency of this disease to a chronic course, accompanied by frequent relapses. Without proper treatment, relapses of erysipelas can occur from 1 to 5 times a year. Against the background of relapses, the lymphatic system of the affected part of the body suffers especially. The destruction of the lymphatic vessels caused by erysipelas leads to a violation of the outflow of lymph from the affected part of the body and the development of elephantiasis (elephantism) in it. The danger of elephantiasis is that, against the background of a violation of the outflow of lymph, various purulent-infectious processes develop more easily, including erysipelas itself, which leads to irreversible changes in tissues, and the patient himself to permanent disability.

Types of erysipelas

At the heart of erysipelas is a violation of the body's immune defenses. The attack of streptococci that cause the development of erysipelas is primarily aimed at the capillary and microvascular bed of the circulatory system. Inflammation of the walls of small vessels leads to disruption of blood flow in the microcirculatory bed, difficulty in supplying tissues with nutrients and oxygen, and disruption in the removal of metabolic products from them. Partially disconnected in this way from the main part of the body, an organ or tissue becomes an easy prey for infection. The disease develops without any barriers, and can lead to the most severe consequences for the patient.

There are several clinical forms according to the nature of the lesion:

1) erythematous - manifested by severe extensive redness and swelling of the skin;

2) bullous - fluid-filled blisters form on inflamed areas of the skin;

3) hemorrhagic - the appearance of hemorrhages on the skin in the form of a small punctate rash, and there may also be a small amount of blood in the contents of the blisters.

In the course of the process, there are:

1) localized form - damage to certain parts of the body (face, back, limbs);

2) common - skin lesions can move from one place to another;

3) metastatic - the appearance of inflammatory foci at a distance from each other.

Erysipelas on the background of diabetes- due to the fact that with diabetes there is a death and destruction of small blood vessels, the treatment of erysipelas is difficult. In the presence of diabetes mellitus, erysipelas most often takes on a gangrenous form.

Erysipelas on the background of thrombophlebitis or varicose veins - differential diagnosis acute thrombophlebitis must be carried out with a number of diseases manifested by inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue limbs. At the same time, it must be clearly understood that a pronounced inflammatory reaction with high temperature, general intoxication and high leukocytosis is not typical for thrombophlebitis.
Erysipelas is often mistaken for acute thrombophlebitis. The largest percentage of errors occur in the erythematous or phlegmonous form of erysipelas, when swelling of the skin and a bright red, sharply painful spot appear within a few hours, rapidly increasing in size. The spot has uneven, sharply defined edges, jagged or in the form of flames, reminiscent of a geographical map. The reddened area protrudes above the level of the surrounding skin, in its area the patient feels a feeling of heat, tension and burning pain
To distinguish erysipelas from thrombophlebitis helps an acute onset with pronounced common symptoms: sudden terrific chill, sharp and rapid rise body temperature up to 39–40 °C and headache. Moreover, general symptoms often precede skin manifestations.
On examination, it is possible to detect the entrance gate of infection (scratches, cracks, ulcerations, fungal infections of the feet). Erysipelatous inflammation is always accompanied by regional lymphadenitis and, often, lymphangitis.

Postoperative erysipelas occurs after surgical intervention due to the penetration of streptococcus into open wound. Most often occurs due to pre-irradiation before oncological operations

Recurrent erysipelas a - this is the return of the disease in the period from several days to 2 years with the localization of the local inflammatory process in the area of ​​​​the primary focus. Recurrent erysipelas occur in 25-88% of cases. With frequent relapses, the febrile period may be short, and the local reaction may be insignificant.
Recurrent forms of the disease cause significant disorders of lymph circulation, lymphostasis, elephantiasis and hyperkeratosis, mainly of the lower extremities, which is often due to the presence of trophic ulcers on the skin of the legs, diaper rash, abrasions, abrasions, creating conditions for the appearance of new and revitalization of old foci of the disease.
repeated erysipelas occurs more than 2 years after the primary disease. The foci often have a different localization. According to clinical manifestations and course, repeated diseases do not differ from primary ones.
Complications. Phlegmon, phlebitis, deep skin necrosis, pneumonia and sepsis are rare. With persistent recurrent forms of erysipelas, continuous (year-round) prophylaxis with bicillin-5 for 2 years is indicated.

Erysipeloid, or pork rye a - a disease that develops in humans, manifested by damage to the skin and joints. Microbes penetrate the skin and are localized in the dermis, where the focus of infection is formed. Often, the process extends to the bag-ligamentous apparatus of the interphalangeal joints. Patients develop a state of delayed-type allergy to the pathogen. Serous inflammation occurs in the dermis. There is perivascular infiltration from lymphocytes, expansion of blood and lymphatic vessels with an increase in their permeability. In humans, 3 forms of swine erysipelas are observed: skin, skin-articular, generalized (septic). The cutaneous form may be limited or widespread. The skin-articular form proceeds with the phenomena of acute or chronic recurrent arthritis.

Erysipelas, infection, symptoms and treatment of erysipelas

Possible complications of erysipelas are abscess, sepsis, deep vein thrombophlebitis, but complications are rare.

Epidemiology of erysipelas


The reservoir and source of infection is a person with various forms of streptococcal infection (caused by group A streptococci) and a “healthy” bacteriocarrier of group A streptococcus.

The mechanism of infection transmission is aerosol, the main route of infection is airborne, but contact infection is also possible. entrance gate - various damage(wounds, diaper rash, cracks) of the skin or mucous membranes of the nose, genitals, etc. Group A streptococci often colonize the surface of the mucous membranes and skin of healthy individuals, so the risk of infection with erysipelas is great, especially with elementary untidiness.

Natural susceptibility of people. The occurrence of the disease is probably determined by a genetically determined individual predisposition. Women predominate among the sick. In persons with chronic tonsillitis and other streptococcal infections, erysipelas occurs 5-6 times more often. Local factors predisposing to the development of facial erysipelas are chronic diseases of the oral cavity, caries, diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Erysipelas of the chest and extremities often occurs with lymphedema, lymphovenous insufficiency, edema of various origins, mycosis of the feet, and trophic disorders. Post-traumatic and postoperative scars predispose to the localization of the focus at its location. Increased susceptibility to erysipelas may be due to long-term use steroid hormones.

Main epidemiological signs. Erysipelas is one of the most common infections of a bacterial nature. Officially, the disease is not registered, so the incidence data are based on selective data.

Infection can develop both exogenously and endogenously. Erysipelas of the face may be the result of lymphogenous drift of the pathogen from the primary focus in the tonsils or the introduction of streptococcus into the skin. Despite the fairly wide distribution of the pathogen, the disease is observed only in the form of sporadic cases. Unlike other streptococcal infections, erysipelas does not have a pronounced autumn-winter seasonality. The highest incidence is observed in the second half of summer and early autumn. Faces of different professions get sick with erysipelas: builders, workers in “hot” shops and people working in cold rooms often suffer; for workers in metallurgical and coke-chemical enterprises, streptococcal infection is becoming an occupational disease.

It should be noted that if in 1972-1982. the clinical picture of erysipelas was distinguished by the predominance of moderate and mild forms, then in the next decade there was a significant increase in the proportion of severe forms of the disease with the development of infectious-toxic and hemorrhagic syndromes. Recently (1995-1999), mild forms account for 1%, moderate - 81.5%, severe - 17.5% of all cases. The proportion of patients with erysipelas with hemorrhagic syndrome reached 90.8%.

With active reproduction of streptococci in the dermis, their toxic products (exotoxins, enzymes, cell wall components) penetrate into the bloodstream. Toxinemia causes the development of an infectious-toxic syndrome with high fever, chills and other manifestations of intoxication. At the same time, short-term bacteremia develops, but its role in the pathogenesis of the disease has not been fully elucidated.

In the skin or on the mucous membranes (much less often), a focus of infectious-allergic serous or serous-hemorrhagic inflammation is formed. A significant role in its development is played by pathogenicity factors of streptococci that have a cytopathic effect: cell wall antigens, toxins and enzymes. At the same time, the structure of some human skin antigens is similar to the A-polysaccharide of streptococci, which leads to the appearance of autoantibodies in patients with erysipelas that enter into autoimmune reactions with skin antigens. Autoimmunopathology increases the level of individual predisposition of the body to the effects of streptococcal antigens. In addition, immune complexes with pathogen antigens are formed in the dermis and papillary layer. Autoimmune and immune complexes can cause damage to the skin, blood and lymphatic capillaries, contribute to the development of intravascular blood coagulation with a violation of the integrity vascular wall, the formation of microthrombi, the formation of local hemorrhagic syndrome. As a result, in the focus of infectious-allergic inflammation with erythema and edema, hemorrhages or blisters with serous or hemorrhagic contents are formed.

The pathogenesis of erysipelas is based on an individual predisposition to the disease. It can be congenital, genetically determined or acquired as a result of various infections and other past diseases, accompanied by an increase in the body's sensitization to streptococcus allergens, endoallergens, allergens of other microorganisms (staphylococci, coli and etc.). In the presence of an individual predisposition, the body reacts to the introduction of streptococcus into the skin with the formation of delayed-type hypersensitivity with the development of serous or serous-hemorrhagic inflammation.

An important component of pathogenesis is a decrease in the activity of factors that determine defensive reactions patient: nonspecific protective factors, type-specific humoral and cellular immunity, local immunity of the skin and mucous membranes.

In addition, neuroendocrine disorders and an imbalance of biologically active substances play a certain role in the development of the disease. active substances(the ratio of histamine and serotonin content). Due to the relative deficiency of glucocorticoids and an increase in the level of mineralocorticoids in patients with erysipelas, a local inflammatory process with edematous syndrome is maintained. Hyperhistaminemia contributes to a decrease in the tone of the lymphatic vessels, an increase in lymph formation, and an increase in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier for microbial toxins. With a decrease in the content of serotonin, vascular tone decreases, microcirculatory disorders in tissues increase.

The tropism of streptococci to the lymphatic vessels provides a lymphogenous pathway of dissemination with the development of lymphangitis, sclerosis of the lymphatic vessels with frequent repeated episodes of erysipelas. As a result, lymph resorption is disturbed, and persistent lymphostasis (lymphedema) is formed. Due to the breakdown of the protein, fibroblasts are stimulated with the growth of connective tissue. Formed secondary elephantiasis (fibredema).

Morphological changes in erysipelas are represented by serous or serous-hemorrhagic inflammation of the skin with edema of the dermis, vascular hyperemia, perivascular infiltration of lymphoid, leukocyte and histiocytic elements. Epidermal atrophy, disorganization and fragmentation of collagen fibers, swelling and homogenization of the endothelium in the lymphatic and blood vessels are observed.

Modern clinical classification faces provides for the allocation of the following forms of the disease.
By the nature of local lesions:

  1. erythematous;
  2. erythematous-bullous;
  3. erythematous-hemorrhagic;
  4. bullous-hemorrhagic.

According to the degree of intoxication (severity of the course):

  1. light;
  2. moderate;
  3. heavy.

By flow rate:

  1. primary;
  2. repeated;
  3. recurrent (often and rarely, early and late).

According to the prevalence of local manifestations:

  1. localized;
  2. common;
  3. wandering (creeping, migrating);
  4. metastatic.

Explanations for the classification.

  1. Recurrent erysipelas include cases that occur within a few days to 2 years after a previous disease, usually with the same localization local process, as well as later, but with the same localization with frequent relapses.
  2. Repeated erysipelas include cases that occur no earlier than 2 years after the previous disease, in persons who have not previously suffered from recurrent erysipelas, as well as cases that developed at an earlier date, but with a different localization.
  3. Localized forms of the disease are called with a local focus of inflammation, localized within the same anatomical region, common - when more than one anatomical region is captured by the focus. Cases of the disease with the addition of phlegmon or necrosis (phlegmonous and necrotic forms of erysipelas) are considered as complications of the disease.

Incubation period can be installed only with post-traumatic erysipelas, in these cases it lasts from several hours to 3-5 days. In more than 90% of cases, erysipelas begins acutely, patients indicate not only the day, but also the hour of its occurrence.

Initial period characterized by a rapid rise in body temperature to high numbers, chills, headache, aching muscles and joints, weakness. In severe cases, vomiting, convulsions and delirium are possible. After a few hours, and sometimes on the 2nd day of illness, a feeling of fullness, burning, itching, moderate pain, weakening or disappearing at rest, occurs in a limited area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin. Pain is most pronounced with erysipelas of the scalp. Quite often there are pains in the region of regional lymph nodes, which are aggravated by movement. Then there is reddening of the skin (erythema) with edema.

In the midst of illness subjective sensations, high fever and other general toxic manifestations persist. Due to toxic damage to the nervous system against the background of high body temperature, apathy, insomnia, vomiting may develop, with hyperpyrexia - loss of consciousness, delirium. On the affected area, a spot of bright hyperemia is formed with clear uneven boundaries in the form of "tongues of flame" or "geographical map", edema, skin induration. The lesion is hot and slightly painful to the touch. With disorders of the lymphatic circulation, hyperemia has a cyanotic hue, with trophic disorders of the dermis with lymphovenous insufficiency - brownish. After pressing fingers on the area of ​​erythema, the redness under them disappears for 1-2 s. Due to stretching of the epidermis, erythema is glossy, along its edges the skin is somewhat raised in the form of a peripheral infiltration roller. At the same time, in most cases, especially with primary or repeated erysipelas, regional lymphadenitis is observed: thickening of the lymph nodes, their pain on palpation, and limited mobility. Many patients have accompanying lymphangitis in the form of a narrow pale pink strip on the skin connecting erythema with a regional group of lymph nodes.

From the side of the internal organs, one can observe muffled heart tones, tachycardia, arterial hypotension. In rare cases, meningeal symptoms appear.

Fever, different in height and nature of the temperature curve, and other manifestations of toxicosis usually persist for 5-7 days, and sometimes a little longer. When body temperature drops, convalescence period. The reverse development of local inflammatory reactions occurs after the normalization of body temperature: erythema turns pale, its boundaries become fuzzy, and the marginal infiltration ridge disappears. The edema subsides, the phenomena of regional lymphadenitis decrease and disappear. After the disappearance of hyperemia, finely scaly peeling of the skin is observed, pigmentation is possible. In some cases, regional lymphadenitis and skin infiltration persist for a long time, which indicates the risk of early recurrence of erysipelas. Long-term persistence of persistent edema is a sign of the formation of lymphostasis. The given clinical characteristics are characteristic erythematous erysipelas.

Erythematous-hemorrhagic erysipelas. In recent years, the condition is met much more often; in some regions, in terms of the number of cases, it comes out on top among all forms of the disease. The main difference between the local manifestations of this form from the erythematous one is the presence of hemorrhages - from petechiae to extensive confluent hemorrhages against the background of erythema. The disease is accompanied by a longer fever (10-14 days or more) and a slow regression of local inflammatory changes. Often there are complications in the form of skin necrosis.

Erythematous bullous erysipelas. The formation of small vesicles against the background of erythema (conflicts visible in side lighting) or large vesicles filled with transparent serous contents is characteristic. Bubbles form for several hours or even 2-3 days later erythema (due to detachment of the epidermis). In the dynamics of the disease, they spontaneously rupture (or they are opened with sterile scissors), the serous contents expire, and the dead epidermis exfoliates. The macerated surface slowly epithelializes. Crusts form, after which the scars do not remain. Infectious-toxic syndrome and regional lymphadenitis do not have fundamental differences from their manifestations in erythematous erysipelas.

Bullous-hemorrhagic erysipelas. The fundamental difference from erythematous-bullous erysipelas is the formation of blisters with serous-hemorrhagic contents due to deep damage to the capillaries. When blisters open, erosions and ulcerations often form on the macerated surface. This form is often complicated by deep necrosis, phlegmon; after recovery, scars and skin pigmentation remain.

The most common localization of the local inflammatory focus in erysipelas is the lower limbs, less often the face, even more rarely upper limbs, rib cage(usually with lymphostasis in the area of ​​postoperative scars), etc.

Erysipelas, regardless of the form of the disease, has some age-related features .

    Children get sick rarely and easily.

    In the elderly, primary and recurrent erysipelas usually have a more severe course with a prolonged febrile period (sometimes up to 4 weeks) and exacerbation of various concomitant chronic diseases. Regional lymphadenitis is absent in most patients. The regression of local manifestations in the elderly is slow.

The disease is prone to relapsing course. There are early (in the first 6 months) and late, frequent (3 times a year or more) and rare relapses. With frequent recurrence of the disease (3-5 times a year or more), they talk about chronic course illness. In these cases, quite often the symptoms of intoxication are moderate, the fever is short, the erythema is dim and without clear boundaries, there is no regional lymphadenitis.

differentialdiagnostics

Erysipelas is differentiated from many infectious, surgical, skin and internal diseases: erysipeloid, anthrax, abscess, phlegmon, panaritium, phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, endarteritis obliterans with trophic disorders, eczema, dermatitis, toxicoderma and other skin diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and others

When staging clinical diagnosis erysipelas take into account the acute onset of the disease with fever and other manifestations of intoxication, more often ahead of the onset of typical local phenomena (in some cases occurring simultaneously with them), the characteristic localization of local inflammatory reactions (lower limbs, face, less often other areas of the skin), the development of regional lymphadenitis, absence of severe pain at rest.

Treatment of erysipelas in the hospital


Treatment of patients with erysipelas should be carried out taking into account the form of the disease, primarily its multiplicity (primary, repeated, recurrent, often recurrent erysipelas), as well as the degree of intoxication, the nature of local lesions, the presence of complications and consequences. Currently, most patients with easy flow erysipelas and many patients with a moderate form of the disease are treated in a polyclinic. Indications for mandatory hospitalization in infectious disease hospitals(branches) are:
severe course of erysipelas with pronounced intoxication or widespread skin lesions (especially with bullous-hemorrhagic form of erysipelas);
frequent relapses of erysipelas, regardless of the degree of intoxication, the nature of the local process;
the presence of severe common comorbidities;
old age or childhood.
The most important place in complex treatment patients with erysipelas (as well as other streptococcal infections) take antibiotic therapy. When treating patients in a polyclinic and at home, it is advisable to prescribe antibiotics orally: erythromycin 0.3 g 4 times a day, oletethrin 0.25 g 4-5 times a day, doxycycline 0.1 g 2 times a day, spiramycin 3 million IU 2 times a day (course of treatment 7 - 10 days); azithromycin - on the 1st day 0.5 g, then for 4 days, 0.25 g 1 time per day (or 0.5 g for 5 days); ciprofloxacin - 0.5 g 2 - 3 times a day (5 - 7 days); biseptol (sulfatone) - 0.96 g 2 - 3 times a day for 7 - 10 days; rifampicin - 0.3 - 0.45 g 2 times a day (7 - 10 days).

In case of intolerance to antibiotics, furazolidone is indicated - 0.1 g 4 times a day (10 days); delagil 0.25 g 2 times a day (10 days). It is advisable to treat erysipelas in a hospital with benzylpenicillin at a daily dose of 6–12 million units, a course of 7–10 days. At severe course diseases, the development of complications (abscess, phlegmon, etc.), a combination of benzylpenicillin and gentamicin (240 mg 1 time per day), the appointment of cephalosporins are possible.
With severe infiltration of the skin in the focus of inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are indicated: chlorotazole 0.1-0.2 g 3 times or butadione 0.15 g 3 times a day for 10-15 days. Patients with erysipelas need to be prescribed a complex of B vitamins, vitamin A, rutin, ascorbic acid, the course of treatment is 2-4 weeks. In severe erysipelas, parenteral detoxification therapy is performed (hemodez, reopoliglyukin, 5% glucose solution, saline) with the addition of 5-10 ml of a 5% solution of ascorbic acid, 60-90 mg of prednisolone.

Cardiovascular, diuretic, antipyretic drugs are prescribed.
Pathogenetic therapy of local hemorrhagic syndrome is effective with earlier treatment (in the first 3-4 days), when it prevents the development of extensive hemorrhages and bullae. The choice of the drug is carried out taking into account the initial state of hemostasis and fibrinolysis (according to the coagulogram). With clearly expressed hypercoagulation phenomena, treatment with a direct-acting anticoagulant heparin (subcutaneous injection or by electrophoresis) and an antiplatelet agent trental at a dose of 0.2 g 3 times a day for 7-10 days is indicated.

In the presence of a pronounced activation of fibrinolysis in the early stages of the disease, it is advisable to treat with the fibrinolysis inhibitor Amben at a dose of 0.25 g 3 times a day for 5 to 6 days. In the absence of pronounced hypercoagulation, it is also recommended to introduce protease inhibitors - contrical and Gordox directly into the inflammation site by electrophoresis, the course of treatment is 5-6 days.

Treatment of patients with recurrent erysipelas

Treatment of this form of the disease should be carried out in a hospital. It is mandatory to prescribe reserve antibiotics that were not used in the treatment of previous relapses. Cephalosporins (I or II generation) are prescribed intramuscularly at 0.5-1.0 g 3-4 times a day or lincomycin intramuscularly 0.6 g 3 times a day, rifampicin intramuscularly 0.25 g 3 times a day. The course of antibiotic therapy - 8 - 10 days. With particularly persistent relapses of erysipelas, a two-course treatment is advisable. Antibiotics are consistently prescribed, optimally acting on bacterial and L-forms of streptococcus.

The first course of antibiotic therapy is carried out with cephalosporins (7-8 days). After a 5 - 7-day break, the second course of treatment with lincomycin is carried out (6 - 7 days). With recurrent erysipelas, immunocorrective therapy is indicated (methyluracil, sodium nucleinate, prodigiosan, T-activin).

Local therapy

Treatment of local manifestations of the disease is carried out only with its bullous forms with localization of the process on the limbs. The erythematous form of erysipelas does not require the use of local treatments, and many of them (ichthyol ointment, Vishnevsky balm, antibiotic ointments) are generally contraindicated. In the acute period of erysipelas, in the presence of intact blisters, they are carefully incised at one of the edges, and after the release of exudate, bandages are applied to the inflammation site with a 0.1% solution of rivanol or a 0.02% solution of furacilin, changing them several times during the day. Tight bandaging is unacceptable.

In the presence of extensive weeping erosions at the site of the opened blisters, local treatment begins with manganese baths for the extremities, followed by the application of the bandages listed above. For the treatment of local hemorrhagic syndrome with erythematous-hemorrhagic erysipelas, 5-10% dibunol liniment is prescribed in the form of applications in the area of ​​inflammation 2 times a day for 5-7 days. Timely treatment of hemorrhagic syndrome significantly reduces the duration of the acute period of the disease, prevents the transformation of erythematous-hemorrhagic erysipelas into bullous-hemorrhagic, accelerates reparative processes, and prevents complications characteristic of hemorrhagic erysipelas.

Physiotherapy

Traditionally, in the acute period of erysipelas, UVI is prescribed to the area of ​​the focus of inflammation to the area of ​​regional lymph nodes. If infiltration of the skin, edematous syndrome, regional lymphadenitis persists in the period of convalescence, applications of ozocerite or dressings with heated naftalan ointment (on the lower limbs), paraffin applications (on the face), electrophoresis of lidase (especially in the initial stages of the formation of elephantiasis), calcium chloride, radon baths. Recent studies have shown the high efficiency of low-intensity laser therapy of a local focus of inflammation, especially in hemorrhagic forms faces.

Laser radiation is used in both red and infrared ranges. The applied dose of laser radiation varies depending on the state of the local hemorrhagic focus, the presence of concomitant diseases.

Bicillin prophylaxis of recurrence of erysipelas

Bicillin prophylaxis is an integral part of the complex dispensary treatment of patients suffering from a recurrent form of the disease. Preventive intramuscular injection bicillin (5 - 1.5 million units) or retarpen (2.4 million units) prevents relapses of the disease associated with reinfection with streptococcus. While maintaining foci endogenous infection these drugs prevent reversion
L-forms of streptococcus into the original bacterial forms, which helps to prevent relapses. With frequent relapses (at least 3 per Last year) erysipelas, continuous (year-round) bicillin prophylaxis is advisable for 2–3 years with an interval of 3–4 weeks for the administration of the drug (in the first months, the interval can be reduced to 2 weeks). In case of seasonal relapses, the drug is started to be administered a month before the start of the morbidity season in this patient with an interval of
4 weeks for 3-4 months annually. In the presence of significant residual effects after erysipelas, the drug is administered at intervals of 4 weeks for 4 to 6 months. Clinical examination of patients with erysipelas should be carried out by doctors of the infectious disease cabinets of polyclinics with the involvement, if necessary, of doctors of other specialties.

Complications

The disease is often complicated by abscesses, phlegmon, deep skin necrosis, ulcers, pustulization, phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, in rare cases, pneumonia and sepsis. Due to lymphovenous insufficiency, progressing with each new relapse of the disease (especially in patients with frequently recurrent erysipelas), in 10-15% of cases, the consequences of erysipelas are formed in the form of lymphostasis (lymphedema) and elephantiasis (fibreedema). With a long course of elephantiasis, hyperkeratosis, skin pigmentation, papillomas, ulcers, eczema, and lymphorrhea develop.

Treatment of erysipelas with folk remedies and methods of treatment at home.


Erysipelas, treatment: if you do not want to treat erysipelas with antibiotics, you can try to be cured by folk methods

As they say, the name erysipelas (an infectious disease) comes from the beautiful word "rose". The similarity was determined by the fact that with erysipelas, the face becomes crimson, like this flower, and because of the edema, its shape resembles its petals. With erysipelas, not only the skin is affected, but the whole body as a whole.

  1. Mix chamomile flowers with coltsfoot leaves in a ratio of 1:1, adding a little honey. Lubricate the affected area with the resulting mixture.
  2. Prepare an ointment of yarrow (use fresh herb) and butter (unsalted!) and lubricate the affected area.
  3. Mash a fresh burdock leaf, add thick sour cream and apply to the affected area.
  4. Mash finely chopped plantain leaves and mix with honey in a ratio of 1: 1, boil over low heat and insist for a couple of hours. Apply to the affected area.
  5. Grind sage leaves into powder and mix with chalk in a ratio of 1: 1, sprinkle on the affected area and bandage. Change the bandage 4 times a day.
  6. Crush medicinal rue and mix with melted butter in a ratio of 1: 1, lubricate the affected area.
  7. Take equal amounts of calendula, dandelion, horsetail, nettle, thorn flowers, blackberries and oak bark and mix, then boil for 10 minutes. over low heat (the amount of water should be 3 times the weight of the herbs). Wash the affected area with the resulting decoction.
  8. Lubricate the sore spot with propolis ointment. With this treatment, inflammation disappears after 3-4 days.
  9. Grind the washed hawthorn fruits and apply the resulting slurry to the place affected by erysipelas.
  10. Mix chamomile (flowers), common coltsfoot (leaves), black elderberry (flowers and fruits), common kirkazon (grass), common oak (bark), Crimean rose (flowers) mixed equally. For 1 liter of boiling water, take 3 tablespoons of the collection, insist and strain. Take 50 ml 7 times a day.
  11. Lubricate parts of the body affected by erysipelas with pork fat every 2 hours. The inflammation is quickly removed.
  12. Apply chopped bark of bird cherry or lilac, leaves of plantain or blackberry to sore spots.
  13. Mix equally divided dry crushed sage leaves, chamomile flowers, chalk powder and red brick. Pour the resulting mixture on a cotton cloth and tie to the affected area. Change 4 times a day in a dark place, away from direct sunlight.
  14. For lotions for erysipelas, it is used alcohol tincture eucalyptus.
  15. Pour potato starch on a piece of cotton wool and apply to the sore spot in the form of a dry compress.
  16. Healers recommended early in the morning, before sunrise, to sprinkle the area affected by erysipelas with pure chalk powder, put a red woolen cloth on top and bandage it. The next morning, apply another bandage, replacing the chalk. The erysipelas is cured in a few days.
  17. A flap of natural red silk, the size of a palm, is torn into small pieces. Mix with natural bee honey, divide the mixture into 3 parts. In the morning, one hour before sunrise, apply this mixture to the area affected by erysipelas and bandage it. Repeat the procedure the next morning. Repeat the procedure daily until recovery.
  18. According to the Tajik recipe, the roots of the soapwort should be crushed or crushed into powder, pour a small amount of boiling water, mix. The resulting slurry is applied to the place affected by erysipelas.
    2-3 tablespoons of crushed top branches of raspberries with leaves, pour 2 cups of boiling water, insist. Apply to wash the affected areas.
  19. The crushed top layer of the bark of the sloe (prickly plum) in the amount of 1 teaspoon, pour a glass of boiling water, boil for 15 minutes and dilute with a glass of water. Broth to use in the form of lotions.
  20. Powder the dry leaves of the mother-and-stepmother and sprinkle them on the place affected by erysipelas. At the same time, drink a decoction of leaves at the rate of 10 g of raw materials per 200 ml of boiling water, 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.
  21. Put a dry compress of potato starch on cotton wool on the areas affected by erysipelas.
  22. Apply a multi-layer gauze bandage soaked on the affected areas potato juice changing it 3-4 times a day. Can be left overnight. Additionally, the dressing on the side of contact with the skin can be sprinkled with penicillin powder.
  23. Apply the leaves of coltsfoot to the places affected by erysipelas and at the same time take the powder from dried leaves coltsfoot.
  24. Apply fresh burdock leaves smeared with sour cream to the affected areas 2-3 times a day.
  25. Apply plantain leaves sprinkled with chalk powder to erysipelas.
  26. Apply the crushed bark of the bird cherry to the places affected by erysipelas.
  27. Apply hawthorn fruits, crushed into gruel, to inflamed areas of the skin.
  28. Apply crushed lilac bark to places affected by erysipelas.
  29. Dilute 1 teaspoon of tincture of seeds or leaves of Datura 0.5 cup boiled water. Apply for lotions

Treatment of erysipelas with yarrow:

You need to collect yarrow leaves, then wash them and pour boiling water over them. After the decoction becomes an acceptable temperature for you, put the leaves on the affected areas. Then put a plastic bag on top, cotton wool and wrap the entire compress with a bandage. After the leaves of the yarrow dry and begin to prick sore spots, you must remove them and put new ones. This procedure must be done six to seven times. After three such compresses, the itching will pass, and after a week of treatment, the erysipelas will leave you.

At erysipelas treatment The following folk recipes with honey are used:

  • Mix 2 tbsp. spoons of rye flour with 1 tbsp. spoon of honey and 1 tbsp. spoon of crushed elderberry leaves. Apply to the affected areas of the skin.
  • Take a celery root (1 kg), you can leaf, rinse well, dry and pass through a meat grinder, add 3 tbsp. tablespoons of golden mustache leaf juice and mix everything with 0.5 kg of honey. Transfer the resulting mass to a glass jar and refrigerate for two weeks. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals. This amount is sufficient for treatment. In some cases, you will need 2 servings of the medicine.

In the East, skin and erysipelas are treated using wine compresses to which rust is added.

In folk medicine, a mixture of rice flour and chalk was also used, which was applied to the face for as long as 5 days and protected from the rays of the sun, as well as lubrication of erysipelas with purified kerosene. We do not recommend using these recipes, since the consequences in the form of skin burns can be even more dangerous than the erysipelas itself (up to necrosis of the underlying tissues).
And here is a very simple one, besides harmless remedy: take three ears of rye and circle the sore spot with them, then throw the ears into the fire. On this day, the face should no longer go further. On the second day, do the same with the other three ears - and the affected areas will fade. On the 3rd day again, and the disease should stop. Of course, this remedy can only be used during the flowering of rye or when its ear is pouring. And although this remedy has been repeatedly tested, it is not recommended to refuse antibiotic therapy.

Burnet in the folk treatment of erysipelas on the leg

Prepare a tincture from the root of the burnet officinalis according to the following recipe. Dilute 1 tbsp. l. tinctures in 100 g of water, make lotions on inflamed skin. This folk remedy for the treatment of erysipelas quickly relieves burning sensation, reduces inflammation, and greatly alleviates the patient's condition. In the folk treatment of erysipelas, the tincture of the burnet root can be replaced with a decoction.

Alternative treatment of erysipelas on the leg with cottage cheese

With erysipelas on the leg, cottage cheese helps well. It is necessary to apply a thick layer of cottage cheese on the inflamed area, preventing drying. This folk remedy for the treatment of erysipelas relieves pain symptoms from the affected area, restores the skin

Black root in folk recipes for the treatment of erysipelas on the leg

Pass the black root medicinal (root) through a meat grinder, wrap the gruel in a gauze napkin and fix the compress on the leg damaged by the mug. This folk remedy for the treatment of erysipelas on the leg quickly relieves fever and pain, removes the tumor.

Yarrow and chamomile in the folk treatment of erysipelas on the leg

Squeeze juice from yarrow and chamomile, 1 tbsp. l. juice mixed with 4 tbsp. l. butter. The resulting ointment quickly relieves inflammation from the affected area of ​​the skin, reduces pain symptoms. In the folk treatment of erysipelas, you can also use the juice of only one of these plants as part of a healing ointment.

Celery in folk recipes for the treatment of erysipelas

Erysipelas on the leg can be treated with celery. Pass celery leaves through a meat grinder, wrap the gruel in a gauze napkin and fix the compress on damaged skin. Keep at least 30 minutes. Kale can be used instead of celery.

How to treat erysipelas on the leg with beans

Powder of dried and crushed beans: use as a powder for weeping eczema, burns, erysipelas.

Alternative treatment of erysipelas on the leg with chalk

Chalk is widely used in the folk treatment of erysipelas. This folk remedy for erysipelas is mentioned in all medical books. Despite all its simplicity and absurdity, it is very effective. Even doctors recognize the inexplicable effect of the color red on the suppression of erysipelas. How to treat erysipelas with chalk and red cloth:
The recipe is simple. Chalk grind into powder, generously sprinkle them with a sore spot and wrap with a red rag. Then wrap the affected area with a towel. The compress must be done at night. After such a procedure, in the morning the temperature will pass, the red color and a strong swelling will go away. After 3-4 days, the erysipelas completely disappears.
The effectiveness of this folk treatment of erysipelas will greatly increase if dry, powdered chamomile flowers and sage leaves are added to the chalk powder in equal proportions.

Elderberry in the folk treatment of erysipelas

Fill the saucepan with small branches and black elderberry leaves, pour hot water over it, so that the water level is 2 cm higher. Boil for 15 minutes, leave for 1 hour.
Unwashed millet is calcined in the oven or in a frying pan, ground in a coffee grinder into powder and mixed into a homogeneous mass. Put this mass on a sore spot, put a napkin dipped in elderberry decoction on top. Leave the compress overnight.
In the morning, remove the compress and wash the area affected by erysipelas with a decoction of elderberry. After three such compresses, the erysipelas disappears.

Mother and stepmother in the folk treatment of erysipelas

To the places affected by erysipelas, you can apply coltsfoot leaves 2-3 times a day, but it is more effective to sprinkle the affected areas with powder from these leaves and take 1 tsp inside. 3 times a day decoction, prepared at the rate of 10 g of grass per 1 glass of water.

Burdock in the folk treatment of erysipelas on the leg

For the treatment of erysipelas, apply fresh burdock leaves smeared with sour cream to the affected areas 2-3 times a day.

Mix rye flour with honey and elderberry leaves. Apply the resulting mass in the form of a compress.

Propolis. Lubrication of the sore spot with propolis ointment heals the face in 3-4 days.

Infusion from the tops of raspberry branches with leaves: take 2-3 tbsp. l. raw materials. Pour in 2 cups boiling water. Insist. Apply for washing.

Diet.

In folk medicine, the following method of healing is known by diet. The patient needs to be kept for several days (up to a week) on water and lemon or orange juice. Then, when the temperature returns to normal, switch to fruit diet. Give three times a day fresh fruits(apples, pears, peaches, apricots, oranges). The diet is very strict: nothing but fruit. Drink only water (possible with lemon). Never eat bread. Fruit must be ripe. In winter, when there are no fresh fruits, they are treated with dried fruits soaked in water, supplemented with grated carrots, honey, and milk. The course of treatment is up to 2 weeks.

Inflammation of the eyes with erysipelas

  • Datura, leaves and seeds. 20 gr. seeds or leaves of dope in a glass of boiling water. Insist wrapped for 30 minutes, strain. Dilute in half with water. Make lotions for inflammation of the eyes.
  • Vodka tincture of seeds or leaves. Dilute one teaspoon of tincture in 1/2 cup of boiled water. Apply for lotions..

Errors in the treatment of erysipelas

The most common mistakes in the diagnosis and treatment of erysipelas, which can significantly slow down recovery and even lead to surgical intervention:

sunbathing or the use of ultraviolet radiation is unacceptable;
an attempt to apply decongestants or ointments that improve blood circulation. In this case, the infection spreads throughout the body;
categorically it is impossible to put compresses or use hot baths;
untimely appeal for help;
incorrect diagnosis - treatment tactics are determined by many factors: STAGE OF THE DISEASE, FORM OF THE DISEASE, AGE OF THE PATIENT, PRESENCE OF CONCOMITANT DISEASES;

attempting self-treatment with antibiotics;
DO NOT TRY TO USE THE METHODS OF FOLK MEDICINE DESCRIBED ON THE INTERNET BY YOURSELF. using this or that method, you must understand what you are doing. People who use such methods KNOW AND UNDERSTAND WHAT AND WHY THEY DO, ONLY THE VISIBLE PART OF THE PROCEDURE IS DESCRIBED ON THE INTERNET, AND THE PART OF THE PROCEDURE BEHIND THE FRAME IS KNOWN ONLY TO THE HEALER, DOING SUCH TREATMENT ON YOUR OWN YOU WILL ACHIEVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, WHAT YOU WILL GET. EXCEPT HARM. WILL NOT BRING ANYTHING.

Millions of people in the world are infected with infectious diseases every day. One of them is erysipelas, which has long been known to medicine.

In contact with

Erysipelas disease - what is it

Erysipelas is an acute infectious disease caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus. It is characterized by the appearance of redness on the skin, accompanied by fever and general intoxication of the body (including headache, weakness and nausea).

There are 2 forms of erysipelas:

  • Erythematous. In other words, the initial stage. The patient has a burning sensation, pain, swells and the place of inflammation becomes hot. Sometimes there are punctate hemorrhages.
  • bullous. It is characterized by the presence of bubbles containing a clear liquid. After a few days, they dry out, forming a crust on the skin.

In both forms, inflammation is accompanied by damage to the lymphatic system.

Important! Primary erysipelas most often appears on the face, while relapses of the disease have "chosen" the lower limbs of a person. The duration of the disease is 5-8 days. Residual manifestations of erysipelas can remain for life if you do not resort to the help of cosmetologists.

Features of the structure of the skin on the legs, arms and face

The skin is the largest human organ and consists of three layers. It weighs approximately 15% of the total body weight. She has various structural features on her legs, arms and face. For example, the skin on the soles of the feet has a high concentration of sweat pores. In this place, its thickest layers.

The skin on the palms lacks hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The inner side of the hands is characterized by great elasticity, thinness and softness. On the face, or rather on the eyelids, is the most thin layer skin throughout the human body. In the region of the eyelids auricles, forehead and nose skin has no bottom layer. Facial skin is the most susceptible to aging.

Causes of the disease

Erysipelas disease - is it contagious to others? The cause of the disease is a streptococcal infection that has entered the soft tissues. Its source is a streptococcus carrier. Most often the "front door" for microorganisms in human body are minor injuries, abrasions, cuts in the skin or mucous membranes.

Who is at risk?

According to statistics, people over the age of 18 most often suffer from erysipelas. Moreover, in 65% of cases, doctors diagnose erysipelas in people older than 50 years. Often, men and women are infected with the infection, whose work is associated with microtraumatization and contamination of the skin. Erysipelas can also provoke neglect of personal hygiene.

Symptoms of erysipelas

There are 7 main symptoms of erysipelas:

  1. Development of a fever(convulsions, delirium).
  2. Manifestation of symptoms of intoxication(including headache, chills).
  3. On limited areas of the skin burning sensation, itching. Appear pain when interacting with this area. Over time, the skin becomes redder and stronger. After a few days, swelling sets in and the pain intensifies.
  4. Insomnia.
  5. Elevated temperature .
  6. Nausea and vomiting.
  7. Weakness in the muscles.

Erysipelas in a child - the first signs

Erysipelas in children occurs almost always in the spring and autumn. The initial phase in babies is faster and more acute than in adults. However, the first signs and symptoms of the disease are the same. Distinctive feature is only heartburn, which is experienced by 99% of infected children.

Important! Girls get sick twice as often as boys.

Diagnostic measures

Diagnosis of erysipelas disease is carried out on the basis of clinical symptoms and the results of laboratory tests that indicate the presence of a bacterial infection. After that, the dermatologist draws up a treatment plan.

Treatment

How to treat erysipelas? There are several treatments for erysipelas. All of them are divided into 3 types:
  • Medical treatment. It has been scientifically proven that hemolytic streptococci, which provoke the disease, are highly sensitive to nitrofurans, penicillin antibiotics and sulfonamides. This means that in the fight against the disease will be useful medications, which contain: penicillins, erythromycin, oleandomycin, clindamycin. They can be taken either orally or by injection. Treatment lasts 5-7 days. After 1-3 days from the moment of its onset, the temperature returns to normal, the inflamed areas gradually turn pale. After 10 days, an antibacterial agent biseptol is prescribed. For topical application, that is, directly for use on the affected areas of the skin, the doctor prescribes erythromycin ointment and powder in the form of crushed tablets, which contain enteroseptol. Drug treatment is often supplemented with biostimulants and vitamins.
  • Physiotherapy. In this case, we are talking about ultraviolet irradiation, which has a bacteriostatic effect on active bacteria. It is often given to patients with erythematous erysipelas. In the treatment of relapses of the disease, ultra-high frequency and laser therapy are sometimes used. But short-term freezing with a stream of chloroethyl surface layers of the skin until whitening, in combination with antibacterial therapy, is practiced in cases where the disease is particularly acute.
  • Surgery. It should be noted that the need for this method of treatment arises when the patient has a bullous form of erysipelas or purulent-necrotic complications. During the operation, the bullae are opened and the pathological fluid is evacuated. Only antiseptic agents are applied locally.

Prevention

First of all, it is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the skin, treat various wounds and cracks, and treat pustular diseases in a timely manner. And also, during medical manipulations, observe asepsis and use only sterile instruments. Then the risk that a person will undergo erysipelas is minimized.

Consequences of erysipelas

In addition to the typical residual effects of erysipelas, which include peeling of the skin and its pigmentation, lymphedema, that is, the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial space, can become a more severe consequence. In this case, surgical intervention is necessary in combination with physical anti-edematous therapy.

Restoration of the skin after the disease

To restore the skin after erysipelas, both cosmetology and an independent fight against the consequences of the disease can help. Before using any medication, it is better to consult a specialist.

Treatment of erysipelas at home - folk recipes

To combat the disease at home, they often use:

  • pork fat. They smear the affected skin 2 times a day.
  • Kalanchoe juice. It is preserved with alcohol to a strength of no more than 20%, then a napkin is dipped in it and in a five percent solution of novocaine, after which it is applied to the inflamed area.
  • Plantain. The plant is crushed and mixed with honey. After that, boil and apply a bandage with a cooled ointment to the skin, changing it every 4 hours.

Important! Some of the remedies that people have been trying to treat erysipelas at home for several centuries not only do not contribute to recovery, but can also cause more more harm human health. These include, for example, chipping the affected area of ​​the skin with mercury salts.

Video: erysipelas in adults - causes and treatment.

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