The erysipelas on legs It is a common disease in people over 50 years of age. It is a pathology that affects the skin and can develop very diverse symptoms, beyond skin lesions. Below we tell you what causes it, what its symptoms are and how to treat it.
Erysipelas: what is it and why is it generated?
To understand why erysipelas occurs on the legs, the first step is to know what this disease is about and why it develops. Erysipelas is an infectious pathology that affects the skin, generating different types of lesions.
This disease is caused by a bacterium called group A streptococcus, it can enter the body through any wound, injury or pre-existing sore on the skin that works as a gateway for this type of bacteria.
Another reason why this pathogen can enter our body is due to complications in the drainage of the veins or the lymphatic system.
What factors predispose to erysipelas?
Are there any conditions or comorbidities that function as factors that make some people more susceptible to developing erysipelas than others.
On one side is agesince people over 50 years of age can contract it more easily and on the other hand diseases such as diabetes and obesity, which also generate a certain predisposition to develop this type of infectious pathology. This is because these types of pre-existing diseases tend to weaken the immune system and wound healing, making it more likely for bacteria to enter.
Erysipelas: contagion and transmission
It is important to note that erysipelas on the legs, face, or any other part of the body It is not a contagious diseasesince it develops due to colonization by streptococcus in a poorly healed or healed wound.
Erysipelas: symptoms and foci of appearance
Although this infectious disease can affect any part of the skin, erysipelas is much more common in legs, arms and face. This disease is easy to diagnose, since its symptoms are clear and appear suddenly and they are usually accompanied by fever above 38 degrees and chills. Among the most frequent symptoms we have:
-
Red skin wounds, which are usually inflamed and very painful.
-
Prolonged burning sensation in the areas where the wounds appear.
-
Reddish spots whose edges are usually irregular, raised and with a kind of relief.
-
As the disease becomes more complex, wounds often develop blisters that obscure the affected area. In this case it is called bullous erysipelas.
When these reddish and painful lesions are not treated in time, the infection generated by the bacteria can cause accumulation of pus, necrosis in the skin, and even lead to septicemia, which is an infection in the bloodstream that can have serious consequences.
If the infection in question crosses the most superficial layers of the skin, becoming deep, it becomes called infectious cellulitis, which would already be another type of pathology.
Erysipelas on the legs: possible approaches and treatments
Erysipelas on the legs, being an infectious disease caused by bacteria, must be treated with antibiotics, according to the approach of traditional medicine. There are also recommendations or home-type treatments that can help mitigate symptoms.
traditional medical treatment
Streptococcus, the bacteria that causes erysipelas on the legs, is usually treated with antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, or ciprofloxacinadministered under a regimen of 10 to 14 days of treatment.
When the infection becomes more extensive and even reaches the bloodstream, generating sepsis, antibiotic treatment is administered intravenously. In the case of developing bullous erysipelas, the application of creams or ointments is added to the area affected by the wounds typical of this condition.
What is sought with these creams is power relieve symptoms, especially the burning and pain that wounds can generate in the patient. These ointments are usually composed of fusidic acid or silver sulfadiazine, which help the regeneration of skin wounds.
When erysipelas becomes chronic, advance with the application of Intramuscular benzathine penicillin G for a period of not less than 21 days. This is done by seeking to make the attack on the colony of bacteria that affects the area much more efficient.
Although it is usually uncommon, there are cases where this pathology develops pictures of necrosis or purulent secretion that force them to opt for a more invasive treatment such as surgery that allows the removal of the tissue that has died.
home treatment
When we talk about alternative or home treatments for erysipelas on the legs, we must understand that they work as a complement to traditional treatmentsince the bacterial infection requires to be treated in one way or another with antibiotics.
What we can implement at home is the use of elastic stockings that allow the affected area to be compressed, as well as trying to keep the limbs elevated to help their circulation. On the other hand, to reduce the inflammation of the wounds, we can apply cold compresses with dill infusion.
Medical supervision is essential
Any treatment for erysipelas on the legs should always be supervised by a health professional, since this is a type of pathology that requires monitoring and control. Bacterial infections should not be taken lightly and under no circumstances should self-medication be used.
Alternative treatments should always be considered as an accompaniment to those recommended by doctors, since an infection of this type is of concern.
Recommendations to prevent erysipelas on the legs
Although erysipelas in the legs or any other member of the body is a pathology that can affect anyone, there are cares that we can implement to reduce the possibility of suffering from it.
First of all, special care must be taken with the skin lesions especially in feet, legs, hands and arms. Wounds and sores in this area are of special care, as they can become the gateway for streptococcus, which causes infection. For example, a common condition in many people is athlete’s foot, if it is not treated properly it can lead to erysipelas in the legs.
A constant and careful hygiene It is also key, since the skin, by accumulating dirt, is much more susceptible to developing conditions that give way to bacteria. Skin hydration is also a point to take into account, especially in cold weather; dry skin does not bode well to prevent this disease.
Not a minor fact, in the case of children it is advisable to prevent them from walking barefoot on land where they may come into contact with dirty or contaminated elements, since they may be susceptible to catching any bacteria.
Erysipelas on the legs: a pathology that we should not overlook
As we have discussed in the previous sections erysipelas on the legs is an infectious disease that we should not take lightly. Although it can start as a punctual condition, with a feasible treatment, if it is not attacked in time it can develop chronic conditions, which prolong the suffering of the symptoms and trigger more complex conditions, such as bullous erysipelas.
Taking this into account, it is always important that, if we see the appearance of abrupt symptoms such as fever and the aforementioned skin wounds, we immediately seek medical care.
On the other hand, if you are diabetic, keep in mind that skin care must be much more precise, because the healing of skin wounds, especially in the extremities, is much more complex and delayed.
Although the symptoms of erysipelas on the legs can be annoying and some cases painful, the important thing is to know that with medical treatment, it is a disease that can be overcome without major complications, managing to overcome it in a short time.
Let’s prevent its appearance and always consult a specialist when in doubt.
Source: Medlineplus