Search results
People also ask
How is erysipelas treated?
How can erysipelas be prevented?
When is inpatient treatment recommended for erysipelas?
Is erysipelas curable?
What is erysipelas?
Dec 15, 2023 · Learn how to differentiate, diagnose, and treat cellulitis and erysipelas, two types of skin and soft tissue infections. Find out when to use parenteral antibiotics, hospitalization, and surgical intervention.
Aug 7, 2023 · Summarize the treatment options for erysipelas. Outline the importance of coordination among interprofessional team members to improve outcomes for patients affected by erysipelas. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.
- Youstina Michael, Nadia M. Shaukat
- 2023/08/07
- Coney Island Hospital, Coney Island Hospital
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment and recovery
- Prevention and outlook
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
Erysipelas is a skin infection. It is a form of cellulitis, but unlike cellulitis, which affects deeper tissue, erysipelas only affects the upper layers of the skin.
However, the two conditions can overlap, which can make it hard for a doctor to tell the two conditions apart.
Often, a person will feel unwell before visible signs of erysipelas appear on the skin. Symptoms can include fevers, chills, shivering, and high temperature.
The skin is then usually affected in a particular area and can appear in one of the following ways:
•swollen and shiny
•redness
•warm and tender to the touch
•blisters in severe cases
Erysipelas develops when bacteria enter the skin through cuts or sores.
Skin injuries that increase the chances of developing erysipelas include:
•cuts to the skin, ulcers, or bed sores
•insect or animal bites
•wounds from surgery
Pre-existing skin conditions that break the surface of the skin also increase the chances of getting erysipelas.
In general, a doctor will be able to diagnose erysipelas by the appearance and symptoms of the affected area. This is because the symptoms of erysipelas tend to occur only with this particular condition.
The person’s medical history, highlighting previous injuries or surgery, will often suggest the possible cause as well.
Further testing is not usually needed.
Doctors may carry out a blood test if there are any signs of systemic infection, such as bacteria in the blood (bacteremia). However, the identification of bacteria is not always possible, even in a laboratory.
Tests can also help to reveal:
•raised levels of white blood cells, which can be caused by tissue damage and bacterial infection
Erysipelas is curable. It is important to start treatment as early as possible to limit the chance of further complications.
Antibiotics treat erysipelas. The exact type will depend on what germ is causing the problem, but it will often contain penicillin.
It is therefore essential that anyone who is allergic to penicillin tell their doctor before starting treatment so that they can prescribe other medications, such as erythromycin or cephalexin.
People with erysipelas will typically take antibiotics by mouth for between 7 and 14 days. In more severe cases, the drugs will be put directly into the skin via a drip.
There are also other ways to help relieve pain and discomfort and speed up the healing process, such as:
•keeping the infected area elevated, although still ensuring movement to try and prevent clotting
Erysipelas is curable. Signs of a fever and illness associated with erysipelas will often disappear within a few days of starting treatment, although the skin infection can take weeks to clear up. There is no scarring.
About one third of those who receive treatment for erysipelas develop the condition again. When this happens, a long-term course of medication can be prescribed to treat it.
It is important that the person sees their doctor as early as possible if they have any concerns about repeat attacks.
If other conditions have contributed to the attack, such as eczema, athlete’s foot, or diabetes, then treating those conditions properly can help prevent further outbreaks of erysipelas. Treating breaks to the skin swiftly can also help.
Erysipelas is a skin infection that requires antibiotics to cure. It can affect the face, legs, arms, or torso and cause redness, swelling, blisters, and pain. Learn how to prevent and treat erysipelas and its complications.
Feb 21, 2024 · Erysipelas is a bacterial infection of the skin that causes red, swollen, and painful rashes. Learn how to diagnose, treat, and prevent erysipelas with antibiotics, cold packs, and wound care.
Erysipelas is a serious bacterial infection of the skin that causes red, swollen and blistered rash, often on the lower limbs. It is usually caused by streptococcus bacteria and treated with penicillin or other antibiotics for 10-14 days.
Nov 2, 2022 · Erysipelas is a bacterial skin infection that causes red, raised, and leathery rash, often with fever and swelling. It is usually treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin, and may require hospitalization if it spreads to the bloodstream or other organs.
Aside from administration of antibiotics, patient care includes the following: Symptomatic treatment of aches and fever. Hydration (oral intake if possible) Cold compresses. Elevation...
