Everything You Need To Know About Treating Erysipelas

Dandruff is caused by the group A Streptococcal bacteria, the same bacteria that causes strep throat. The infection causes large, red bumps on the skin. In most cases, however, it mainly affects the face and legs. In this article we are going to talk about treating erysipelas.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this condition are:

• Fever
• Cold
• Chills
• General feeling of unease
• Skin problems, which are usually red, swollen with raised edges.
  • There may also be blisters in the affected area. When erysipelas affects the skin on the face, the inflamed area normally includes the nose and both cheeks.

In addition , erysipelas also causes inflammation of the glands, which can be very uncomfortable as it can be painful for the patient.

Causes

When the group A streptococcal bacteria penetrate the outer barrier of the skin, erysipelas occurs.

These bacteria normally live on the skin and other surfaces without causing damage. However, the bacteria can enter the skin through cuts or sores, resulting in an infection.

Conditions involving cracks in the skin, such as athlete’s foot and eczema, can sometimes lead to erysipelas.

Dandruff can also occur when bacteria spread through the nasal passages after a nose or throat infection.

Treating erysipelas

Pharmaceutical Treatment

The streptococcal bacteria are responsible for the majority of erysipelas cases. Therefore, penicillin is the main treatment for the infection. Oral or intramuscular penicillin is sufficient for the treatment of most classic cases of erysipelas. The treatment should last 5 days, but if the infection does not improve, the treating medical specialist can extend it.

First-generation cephalosporin may also be an option if the patient has a penicillin allergy. Cephalosporins may cross-react with penicillin and should be administered carefully to patients with a history of severe allergy to penicillin.

Clindamycin is a therapeutic option. However, group B streptococcal bacteria are resistant to clindamycin.

Treating Staphylococcus aureus is not normally necessary for most infections. However, it should be considered for those patients who do not improve with penicillin treatment or for patients with abnormal forms of erysipelas, including erysipelas bullosa.

Some researchers believe that facial erysipelas requires empirical treatment with a penicillinase-resistant antibiotic, such as dicloxacillin or nafcillin, to treat possible Staphylococcus aureus infections. However, there is no evidence to support this recommendation.

Roxithromycin and Pristinamycin are extremely effective for treating erysipelas. Several studies show greater efficiency and fewer side effects with treatments using these drugs compared to those using penicillin.

Although the US Food and Drug Administration has not approved these drugs in the United States, they are used in Europe.

Approved antibiotics

The FDA has approved 3 antibiotics for acute bacterial infections and for skin treatments. These are:

• oritavancin (Orbactiv)
• dalbavancin (Dalvance)
• tedizolid (Sivextro)

These agents are effective against:

• Staphylococcus aureus (including strains resistant to methicillin)
• Streptococcus
  • pyogenes
  • agalactiae
  • angina

Most people who receive erysipelas treatment can recover at home.  However, in some cases, a visit to the hospital may be necessary. Depending on the severity of the condition, a treatment plan may include home remedies as well as medication or surgery.

Surgery

Doctors will not opt ​​for surgery until the infection has progressed rapidly and has killed healthy tissue (necrosis). Surgery may then be necessary to remove the dead tissue. While patients can avoid a relapse after proper antibiotic therapy, time is of the essence.

In addition to antibiotics, there are other forms for treating erysipelas.

Symptom treatment for pain and fever

• Cold compresses.
• Hydration (if possible through consumption).
• Holding up the affected limb. Elevating the area is recommended to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Bandage with saline. The areas showing ulceration and necrosis should be covered with a dressing containing saline. In addition, they should be replaced every 2 to 12 hours, depending on the severity of the infection.

Treating erysipelas with natural remedies

• Treatment with almond oil. Cold-pressed almond oil is one of the most efficient ways to get rid of the red spots that result from erysipelas. After applying the almond oil several times, the skin can then fully recover, as if it had never been stained.
• A treatment with wormwood. Clean the affected area with wormwood twice a day. Then take the medication prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will likely have prescribed antibiotics, which are very effective in the early stages of the infection.

• A treatment with lettuce. Adding lettuce is another surprising natural treatment for erysipelas. Make sure to blanch them lightly before applying.
• A treatment with mallow. Another great poultice to try is one with the boiled leaves and roots of mallow (infusion).

Recommended diet for erysipelas

The diet should include a good amount of fruit (about 20% of your daily food intake). In addition, your diet should completely exclude fried foods and meat. Opt for fish and eggs instead. Follow this diet for 6 months, allowing only small breaks in between.

References

Erysipelas Treatment and Management, MedScape

What treatment for erysipelas? Antibiotic Treatment: Drugs and Methods of Administration, PubliMed.gov.

Erysipelas: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, Medical News Today 

Erisipela: causas, factores de riesgo, signos, síntomas, tratamiento, prevención, pronóstico, ePainAssist

Erysipelas, National Organization for Rare Disorders NORD