In recent times, more has been heard about this disease, and it has even appeared among the main interests of people’s Internet searches, but few know what it is about. What is erysipelas? Symptomstreatments and everything there is to know in the following article.
Perhaps this interest aroused in people to learn more about diseases that were not talked about so much before, as is the case with erysipelasit has to do with the fact that in recent months they have begun to worry more about listening to the signals that their body transmits, after the appearance of Covid-19, and the need to connect more not only with oneself and their interests, but also with the environment that surrounds us.
In this case, erysipelas is known as a type of dermatological condition that affects the legs, arms and sometimes also the face and chest, and is characterized by the appearance of reddish plaques on the body. In addition, it can be linked to a type of superficial cellulitis that involves lymphatic vessels in the skin, and erysipelas is usually treated with oral antibiotics.
but yes to know what is erysipelas it is, it is necessary to make a little more detailed explanation about it. According to the United States National Library of Medicine, it is a type of skin infection, which affects the upper layer of the skin and the local lymph nodes.
Also known as disipela, cellulitis or streptococcal infection, it is caused by a bacterium called streptococcus, group A, which, like most infections, usually causes episodes of fever. It affects the subcutaneous tissue, especially the face, but also the legs, and is characterized by the appearance of reddish plaques and, on some occasions, blisters.
this infection can be given by various issues such as a cut in the skin, problems with drainage through the veins or lymphatic system, and skin soresthat is to say ulcers, according to the aforementioned Library of Medicine.
Erysipelas: symptoms
having clarified what is erysipelas it is necessary to detail what its symptoms are. First of all, it should be mentioned that the same can occur in both adults and childrenThere is no set age of onset.
As mentioned earlier It usually affects the legs and arms, where the rash or sores appear, but it can also be seen on the person’s face and chest, or trunk. This is often accompanied by fever, chills, as well as a skin ulcer with a defined, raised border.
The further the infection progresses and the more it lets itself be and spreads, the pain becomes even greater, the redness becomes more noticeable, as well as the swelling and heat emanating from the skin.
One of the first symptoms of erysipelas What usually appears are changes in color and temperature in the skin of the legs, accompanied by high fever, which gradually spread throughout the body, such as in the arms and face, and cause a lot of pain. The patient may notice chills and general malaise.
That is why it is very important that before the appearance of any rash consult a doctor, who will know how to indicate the steps to follow in these cases. Beyond the rash and sores, which can be seen with the naked eye and that the specialist can easily identify in a first diagnosis, it is necessary to carry out other types of studies since erysipelas can even cause mental confusion, tachycardia, hypotension and focal necrosis. . In these cases, some patients require hospitalization.
What is the right treatment?
When a person is diagnosed with erysipelas, treatment It will depend on each one in particular and must be determined by a doctor.
However, in general, when infection occurs in the leg it is usually advisable to keep it raised and of course, rest for a few days. The purpose of this is to reduce pain and help reduce the edema that has caused the erysipelas. When the recommended rest days pass, the person may need to use elastic stockings to reinforce the edema reduction process.
Furthermore, as explained above, In some cases, hospitalization is even necessary.. Beyond this, for the febrile issue, an antibiotic is usually prescribed that directly attacks the bacteria, helps to lower the temperature and disappears in a few days.
If this does not happen or if the infection is severe, it is likely that you will need to administer the intravenous antibiotics. In those people in whom episodes of erysipelas are repetitive, it may result in antibiotics being given for longer periods.
Logically, the antibiotic must be determined by a specialist, but for most cases of erysipelas it is prescribed penicillin G. For people who are allergic to it, azithromycin and ciprofloxacin, among others, may be recommended.
In some cases, some are even recommended anti-inflammatories and the placement of warm water cloths on the skin sectors that have sores, blisters or injuries in any way.
The fundamental thing in these cases is to be able to define an adequate treatment for that person and particular case in order to close the entrance door of the bacteria, especially when it comes to athlete’s foot.
Usually with treatment the prognosis is good and in a few weeks the person recovers their normal skin. However, in some cases it has happened that the picture has been complicated when the bacteria travel through the blood and cause what is known as bacteremia.
The seriousness of this situation is that the infection can spread to other regions of the body such as joints, bones and heart valves. In addition, septic shock can be provoked.
Erysipelas: contagion and prevention
many wonder how to prevent erysipelas from appearing and its contagion and the reality is that it is not transmitted by contact with another person, since it occurs when the bacteria can enter the body through an injury to the body such as wounds, sores, ulcers, dermatitis, athlete’s foot, insect bites, improper handling of nailsto mention a few.
However, one way to prevent it is by keeping the skin as hydrated and healthy, to avoid cuts due to dry skin and scrapes, as well as body hygiene. Bearing this in mind, it is worth clarifying that the people with diabetes are a risk group and should take even greater precautions and carry out the corresponding controls. Preventing children from walking barefoot can also be another recommendation.
Now that you have the basic information about the erysipelas In principle, it is necessary not to confuse it with other less complex eruptions, and that people who present red coloration, in any part of the body such as legs, arms and face, as well as acute pain and feverish symptoms, do not let time pass and go to the doctor in order to carry out the corresponding controls.
Another important thing to note is that this article is purely informative, and has no intention of answering questions from people who have symptoms and want to treat it on their own.
Before the appearance of any of these symptoms, or any other characteristic that is not common in the body of a person, before the observation and recognition of it, it will be more than important to go to a medical center and that there they can diagnose and provide treatment. recommended if necessary.