How to treat erysipelas on the finger. How and with what to treat erysipelas

– an acute infectious skin disease caused by group A streptococci. The disease is prone to recurrence, and if the primary erysipelas most often appears on the face, then the repeated disease is usually localized in areas with chronic diseases of the lymphatic or blood vessels- usually on the lower extremities.

Erysipelas has been known for a very long time, so there are many recipes for combating the disease, but it is worth remembering that the remedies traditional medicine are only an addition to the main therapy.

Is it possible to cure erysipelas at home?

Erysipelas is a very common streptococcal infection. It ranks 4th after acute respiratory, intestinal infection and viral hepatitis.

Most often, erysipelas is observed in older age group, about 1/3 of it are women.

The causative agent of the disease is any beta-hemolytic streptococcus of group A. Its source is any carrier of infection - a contaminated instrument, dressing, and a patient with any form streptococcal infection. It is transmitted to contacts and by airborne droplets through abrasions, minor injuries, abrasions.

Streptococci are very common in nature. Every person's skin contains a certain amount of these bacteria. Provided that the immune system is functioning adequately, infection does not occur, but if the immune system is weakened due to chronic diseases, erysipelas develops unhindered. This explains the prevalence of infection among elderly patients.

Erysipelas is extremely rare in children, but poses a great threat. When infected, the disease spreads very quickly to the buttocks, back, lower limbs and leads to very high intoxication of the body. The mortality rate for newborn erysipelas is very high.

Streptococci penetrate through damage into the lymphatic vessels and capillaries, causing the appearance of cellular infiltration of the skin. As a rule, edema is accompanied by increased fragility of blood vessels, which provides numerous edematous hemorrhages. The development of the disease is directly related to disturbances in the functioning of the immune system - against the background of reduced production of T-lymphocytes and elevated immunoglobulin E. Under such conditions, an allergy is formed: the occurrence of secondary inflammation in the same area indicates allergic nature skin restructuring and sensitization to streptococcus. As shown latest research, staphylococcal microflora is also involved in the development of the disease, especially when we're talking about O . This should be taken into account.
Obviously, it is possible to fight streptococcal infections only with the help of a certain kind of antibiotics: erythromycin,. It is also obvious that folk remedies are powerless in the fight against pathogenic microflora, but they are a good remedy symptomatic treatment. Decoctions and compresses help relieve swelling and prevent the spread of the disease.

Cases of complete recovery in patients using only folk remedies, alas, are explained by the patient’s initially high immunity. That is, an infection that has penetrated inside provokes the release of the required immunoglobulin. The latter during production in sufficient quantity suppresses the disease. At the same time, antibodies are produced that prevent re-inflammation from developing.

As the immune system weakens, the picture changes. The disease not only cannot be cured without antibiotics, but also progresses to a more severe stage - blisters with serous contents appear, and lymphostasis may develop. In addition, the likelihood of a secondary infection is very high. It is worth considering the consequences of intoxication.

The video below will tell you whether folk remedies help with erysipelas:

Treatment of erysipelas with folk remedies

Traditional recipes are mainly aimed at reducing symptoms - swelling, soreness, fever, inflammation. In addition, the treatment is facilitated by decoctions of herbs that enhance immunity. The latter are also used in the prevention of relapses.

daily shower is mandatory procedure. However, the affected areas are washed very carefully, only warm water– not hot, and without using a sponge;
dry the skin with napkins, do not wipe;
must be included in the daily diet dairy products– kefir, yogurt, yogurt, as fresh as possible. Lactobacilli promote recovery normal operation intestines, and the latter is precisely the “base” for the synthesis of the corresponding immunoglobulins;
lubricate inflammation with fatty creams and ointments to minimize contact with moisture;
When sick, the sun turns into medicinal product, that is, it is taken in doses: the affected skin can be irradiated with ultraviolet light for no more than 15 minutes a day.

On the foot

Erysipelas on the legs is most often secondary, but the disease can begin here too. The “gates” for infection are injuries and calluses. A prerequisite for the development of the disease is a decrease in immunity. The appearance of erysipelas on the legs during relapses is associated with the characteristics of the disease itself: erysipelas “prefers” foci of an already existing chronic inflammation, areas with impaired blood circulation, with lymph stagnation.

It is on the legs that thrombophlebitis most often develops, which is an ideal ground for erysipelas. People whose profession requires long periods of standing on their feet often fall victim to the disease, and weakened the immune system no longer provides adequate protection.

To treat erysipelas on the legs, both creams and lotions are used.

The burdock leaf is kneaded into a paste and mixed with a small amount of sour cream. The mixture is applied to the damaged area and left for at least 2-3 hours.
Crushed plantain leaves are mixed with honey and heated over low heat. The mixture is cooled and used as a compress. The composition relieves inflammation well and reduces pain.
A compress from potato juice. They keep him there all night.
For varicose veins, it is useful to use a cabbage compress. For this cabbage leaf knead, lubricate olive oil and apply to the inflamed area. The compress is secured with a bandage and held for 3 hours.
Twice a day it is recommended to lubricate the skin with a mixture of equal parts sea buckthorn oil and aloe juice.

Ancient healing methods can also help with erysipelas, as the video below will tell you about:

On the hand

The appearance of erysipelas on the hand is usually associated with drug use. Streptococci enter the lymph system through traces of injections, and therefore this disease is most often observed in men 20–35 years old. Erysipelas on the hands is rarely associated with occupational injuries and illnesses.
In women, erysipelas can result from removal of the mammary gland. At the same time, lymph often stagnates in the hand, which creates favorable conditions for the development of the disease.

For treatment, both the above remedies and more specific ones are used.

A hawthorn compress is prepared as follows: grind the juicy fruits into a paste, apply to the skin and secure with a bandage. The composition is retained for several hours.
A compress made from a mixture of vodka and honey in equal parts quite successfully relieves inflammation and swelling. A piece of bandage is soaked in the mixture and held on the hand for at least 1 hour. The procedure is repeated three times a day.
Can be used camphor oil. The oil is heated in a bottle, gauze is moistened in the warm liquid and applied to the affected area for 2 hours. After removing the compress, the remaining oil is removed with a paper napkin, and a burdock leaf is applied to the site of inflammation. The compress is repeated 3 times a day.
30% propolis ointment is prepared as follows: 1 kg of propolis is ground, poured with 300 ml of pure alcohol and boiled until the propolis dissolves. Then melt 200 g of Vaseline in a water bath and add 50 g to the mass alcohol solution propolis. The composition is mixed, cooled, filtered through cheesecloth and stored in glass containers. The ointment is applied twice a day to the area of inflammation.
Chalk, or rather its mixture with crushed sage leaves in equal parts, acts as a kind of absorbent that reduces inflammation. This paste is applied to the inflammation 4 times a day and bandaged.

On the face

Primary erysipelas is most often observed on the face. The provoking factor in this case is various chronic blockages - conjunctivitis, as well as. Localization is associated with the disease:

For conjunctivitis the disease develops around the eye sockets.
When a streptococcal infection occurs in the sinuses, erysipelas affects the cheeks and nose - inflammation in the form of a “butterfly”.
For otitis swelling and redness appear around the ears, on the neck, and scalp.

Erysipelas on the face are always accompanied by severe swelling and pain. In this case, you cannot use effective decongestant ointments, as this increases the risk of inflammation. Relatively weak folk remedies turn out to be more useful.

Flowers coltsfoot and chamomile are crushed, mixed in equal proportions, honey is added. The mixture is applied to the affected areas.
Elecampane root is ground, mixed with petroleum jelly in a ratio of 1:4 and applied to the face twice a day.
Juice from chamomile and yarrow leaves is mixed with butter in a ratio of 1:4. The ointment is applied to the affected area three times a day.
For erythematous erysipelas, the inflamed areas are lubricated with pork fat every 3 hours.
For the bullous form - the appearance of blisters, use a mixture of equal parts of crushed plantain, burdock and Kalanchoe. Fresh leaves are ground into a paste and placed on the inflamed area and secured with a piece of gauze. Keep as a mask for at least 1 hour.
Medications help with erysipelas herbal teas, reducing inflammation and removing toxins.
Dry crushed leaves are mixed in equal parts: yarrow, calamus, burnet, eucalyptus. Part of the collection is poured with 10 parts of boiling water and left for 3 hours. The infusion is filtered and taken 4 times a day, 50 drops.
For washing, as well as for the purpose of preventing the spread, decoctions of string, chamomile and coltsfoot are used. This herb has pronounced antibactericidal properties and prevents the addition of a secondary infection.

Erysipelas is a serious infectious disease that requires treatment with antibiotics. Folk remedies alleviate and prevent the spread of the disease, but only if they are correctly combined with drug therapy.

A lot of good recipes from the face it is given in this video:

(erysipila) is a common infectious disease that is characterized by focal purulent integument, fever and intoxication. This disease is caused by group A. Moreover, it has been noticed that women suffer from it more often.

How is erysipelas of the hand (and not only) transmitted?

Infection with erysipelas occurs through household items or by airborne droplets from patients with streptococcal infection. There are known cases of infection from so-called “healthy” carriers of streptococcus, unaware that they are actually sick.

Erysipelas of the hand: cause

In order for streptococcus to settle firmly in the body, it is enough to suffer from a sore throat or suffer from streptoderma. These diseases, as well as abrasions, fungus, infected wounds and cracks can trigger the onset of erysipelas in any part of the body.

A serious prerequisite for erysipelas can also be diabetes and disorders of the blood supply to the skin with various diseases varicose veins veins, etc.).

Erysipelas: symptoms

The most common locations for erysipelas are the legs, thighs, arms and chest. The disease begins suddenly, with manifestations of intoxication: vomiting, high temperature(up to 40˚С), and a little later - with slight redness of the skin area.

This spot, as a rule, has clear boundaries and even rises slightly above healthy skin. Soon it expands and becomes hot and tense to the touch. Then the inflamed area becomes covered with blisters and hemorrhages, and nearby The lymph nodes increase.

Erysipelas of the arm, leg or face lasts a long time, causing serious complications: heart sounds are muffled, tachycardia occurs, and blood pressure drops.

Why is erysipelas of the hand and other parts of the body dangerous?

It is very important not to let erysipelas take its course. Since it can also lead to infection of internal organs (heart, kidneys, etc.), bone tissue and blood poisoning. Doctors also name other complications: ulcers that appear instead of blisters, skin necrosis, abscesses. Violation of lymph outflow threatens the development of elephantiasis (progressive thickening of the skin).

Traditional treatment of erysipelas

Traditional medicine recipes can be used for erysipelas only with the consent of the attending physician.

So, you can apply a thick layer of fresh cottage cheese to the affected areas of the skin three times a day. Keep it there without letting it dry out. This remedy helps relieve pain and restore damaged skin.
Take 1 tbsp. l. mixed in equal proportions the juices of chamomile and yarrow herbs and add four tablespoons butter. This mixture is applied to areas of inflammation.
A mass of powdered leaves of rye flour and honey, taken in equal proportions, is spread on the affected areas 3 times a day.
Freshly picked burdock leaves, beaten with a rolling pin, are spread with sour cream and applied to the inflammation.

These products, when used regularly, will help get rid of erysipelas forever, but do not replace them with procedures prescribed by your doctor!

And other diseases. The skin disease erysipelas (erysipelas) is also caused by this bacterium. This is a fairly common disease. And statistics say that most cases of erysipelas are registered in people over fifty years of age, and women are more susceptible to the disease.

Causes of development of erysipelas

Transmission of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus occurs in different ways: when the bacterium gets on wounds and abrasions, by airborne droplets from a person with diseases of the upper respiratory tract, through contact and everyday life. This is how streptococcus enters the human body. But for erysipelas to develop, many conditions are needed, including a decrease in the body’s reactivity and the action of provoking factors.

The following factors can contribute to the development of erysipelas:

Violation of skin integrity (injuries, scratches);
Fungal and purulent skin lesions;
Dermatoses (, neurodermatitis,);
, chronic venous insufficiency, leading to disruption of the blood supply to the skin;
Occupational skin injuries and exposure to adverse production factors(dust, chemical substances);
Decreased immunity after illness, hypothermia, hypo- and avitaminosis;
Severe chronic diseases;
Presence of lesions chronic infection(trophic ulcers, etc.);
Elderly age;
Pregnancy.

Symptoms of erysipelas

Erysipelas can be primary (when a person gets sick for the first time), recurrent (when after a few months or a couple of years, erysipelas develops in the same area as during primary erysipelas or a subsequent relapse), repeated (erysipelas occurs after two years or more, usually on another area of the skin).

Clinically, the following forms of the disease are distinguished:

Erythematous;
Hemorrhagic;
Bullous;
Bullous-hemorrhagic;
Phlegmonous;
Necrotic.

The last two forms are considered as a complication of erysipelas.

The disease occurs acutely: a person suddenly feels weak, they begin to worry, body aches, chills. In just a few hours the temperature reaches very high numbers. Patients may also notice it in themselves. Local symptoms diseases can become apparent only after several hours, and sometimes even days. Therefore, at this stage, patients are often mistakenly diagnosed with “”, “”, etc.

After a few hours, a person begins to be bothered by a burning sensation and pain in a certain area of the skin. Typically, erysipelas develops on the face (cheeks, nose, corners of the mouth), extremities (legs, arms), in the perineum, and somewhat less frequently on the torso. The skin swells and turns red.

At erythematous form erysipelas, a red spot appears on the swollen skin. Gradually, the spot becomes brighter and brighter and, like tongues of flame, quickly spreads to healthy tissue. The brightest red color is observed along the periphery of the affected area. The spot is clearly demarcated from healthy, unaffected tissue. The edges of the spot are uneven, reminiscent of flames or a geographical map.

The surface of the affected skin is tense, looks smooth, shiny. When you touch the area of inflammation, pain occurs. Symptoms usually disappear after seven to ten days, and if widespread, after two or more weeks. At the site of inflammation, tissue swelling, peeling, and sometimes hyperpigmentation remain.

At hemorrhagic form hemorrhages appear on swollen skin - pinpoint hemorrhages. The peculiarity of this form of erysipelas is that intoxication and bad feeling more pronounced. In addition, the disease tends to last longer.

At bullous form against the background of swollen skin, blisters with watery contents appear. The bulla may be large and occupy the entire affected area of skin, or many small bullae may occur. After a few days, the blisters subside or burst, and a dark crust forms in their place. When the crust falls off, an eroded surface is exposed, which gradually dries out and heals.

At bullous-hemorrhagic form bubbles filled with blood. When the bullae are opened, black, thick crusts form. The erosions after the crusts are rejected are deeper and take a long time to heal.

At phlegmonous form , it is also called abscess; the blisters are filled with pus. This form of erysipelas is very severe, with particularly severe intoxication. You should be wary of the development of sepsis. The occurrence of the phlegmonous form of erysipelas is presumably caused by the addition of staphylococcus.

Necrotic form , also gangrenous, develops mainly in weakened people. After rejection, necrotic areas on the skin may remain quite deep

Sometimes erysipelas occurs on the mucous membranes, mainly in the oropharynx. On a swollen, red background, blisters appear, quickly opening with the formation of poorly healing erosions.

Treatment of erysipelas at home

Patients with erysipelas do not pose a danger to other people, therefore such patients are hospitalized only in case of severe course or in the presence of somatic diseases.

Patients with erysipelas are prescribed the following groups of drugs:

(benzylpenicillin, oxacillin, ampiox, ceftriaxone);
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, butadione);
Desensitizing agents (diazolin, tavegil);
Glucocorticoids (prednisolone) is prescribed when antibiotics are ineffective;
Vascular strengthening agents (ascorutin, ascorbic acid) prescribed for the hemorrhagic form of the disease;
Proteolytic enzymes (lidase, trypsin) to improve nutrition and tissue repair.

Conduct local treatment in case of erythematous form of the disease it is not necessary, since application medicines will only irritate the affected skin. But for the bullous form, after preliminary opening of the blisters, you can apply gauze bandage, moistened with a solution of ethacridine lactate, furatsilin.

Erysipelas, or erysipelas, is a disease that is bacterial in nature and is characterized by damage to the upper layer of the epithelium and subcutaneous tissue. Erysipelas of the hand occurs equally in both men and women.

The symptoms are quite vivid, so it is impossible not to notice them. Immediately after they appear, contact your doctor to determine correct treatment, which is important to prevent complications.

Symptoms of erysipelas

The first symptoms are similar to those of normal intoxication:

After some time, a pink or red spot appears on the skin, which rises slightly above general level skin. It is localized on the shoulder, forearms, hands and even fingers.

The affected areas are very different from the healthy surface. The spots have clear boundaries and feel dense and painful to the touch. During palpation, it is easy to notice local hyperthermia, edema and lymphostasis.

Over a short period of time, the erysipelas spot increases in size and covers other parts of the hand.

Another symptom is the occurrence of slight hemorrhage, ulcers and blisters. As a result, re-infection develops, in which the pathogen penetrates into the deep layers of the integument. If the situation worsens, the disease takes on a severe form, in which convulsions, delirium and hallucinations occur.

Erysipelas on the hand: causes

There are several main reasons that provoke the development of erysipelas:

Exposure to streptococci. Bacteria enter the body with weakened immunity. You can become infected with streptococcus as a result of poor personal hygiene or through various items everyday life;
Various damage to the epidermis often leads to inflammation. For example, this could be a bruise, a cut, an injection site and abrasions. Through open areas of the skin, bacteria enter the body and begin to poison it;
Erysipelas appears as a consequence of such diseases: herpes, lichen, psoriasis, dermatitis, furunculosis, etc.;
The problem occurs as a result of exposure to various chemicals and wearing rubberized clothing. Provoking factors include sharp changes temperature, prolonged stress and physical activity.

It is worth saying that sometimes erysipelas occurs in the arm after a mastectomy in women. In this case, two factors are combined: reduced immunity and the presence of microtraumas.

Erysipelas on the hand: treatment

If the patient does not receive timely treatment, then the disease progresses and can cause the following complications:

necrosis;
phlebitis;
purulent skin lesions;
sepsis;
abscess;
problems with the kidneys and heart.

An experienced dermatologist can easily identify the disease by external signs and no tests are required for this. In severe cases of erysipelas, the patient is hospitalized and treated in a hospital setting.

Conservative treatment:

Doctor considering individual indicators the patient's body, prescribes a course of antibiotics and antiseptics. Thanks to this, the fever goes away the next day and your health improves significantly;
Among the antibiotics, the following drugs are most often prescribed: penicillins, cephalosporins, etc. Antibiotics must be treated according to the prescribed dosage and course. On average, antibacterial therapy lasts a week, since this time is enough to suppress the development of staphylococcus and not provoke problems in the functioning of organs;
In some cases, antihistamines are also prescribed.

It is important to consider that during the life of microorganisms, toxins are released that provoke the development of allergies. To prevent it from getting worse pathological process, it is recommended to use desensitizing agents that reduce the allergic mood of the body. In addition, it is important to use immunomodulatory agents that increase the effectiveness of the immune response in erysipelas.

Local treatment includes the following measures:

It is important to say that you cannot apply Vishnevsky ointment or syntomycin ointment for such a disease, since these drugs will only increase inflammation.

If the disease for a long time does not retreat, then the patient is prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures for treatment:

Good results are achieved by targeting problem areas of the body. ultraviolet rays before redness occurs. In order to achieve good effect, 4-12 sessions should be carried out;
Electrophoresis using potassium has a positive effect on lymph outflow and reduces infiltration. To obtain results, you must undergo at least 10 procedures;
UHF therapy helps improve blood circulation and relieve inflammatory process. The number of procedures is also at least 10;
With the help of magnetic therapy, the production of steroid hormones is activated in the body, which will relieve inflammation and swelling;
Infrared laser therapy helps improve protective functions body, improve tissue nutrition and blood circulation. In addition, such procedures help relieve pain and swelling. Infrared laser therapy is allowed only when recovery occurs;
Paraffin therapy makes it possible to improve tissue nutrition, which is important for final recovery.

Treatment with folk remedies

Today there are several traditional medicine recipes that help get rid of unpleasant symptoms. It is important to use them only with the permission of a doctor so as not to worsen the condition.

How to carry out treatment with folk remedies:

Vegetable oil. First, the oil must be heated for 5-10 minutes. After this, cool it and lubricate the inflamed areas of the skin. After 10 min. Sprinkle streptocide powder on top. Repeat the procedure daily;
Chalk. For treatment, you can also use chalk, which perfectly copes with swelling and relieves redness. White chalk grind to a powder and pour it onto a natural red cloth. Apply the prepared compress to the area of inflammation overnight. In the morning, remove it and rinse off the residue with water;
Apple vinegar. This remedy helps to quickly get rid of itching. Wipe erysipelas with vinegar up to 2-3 times a day;
Rye flour. First, sift the flour through a sieve to break up any lumps. Sprinkle it on the affected skin, place wrapping paper on top and secure with a bandage. Carry out the procedure every day;
Coltsfoot. Used to treat erysipelas different plants, for example, coltsfoot copes well with inflammation. Take fresh leaf plants, grease it on one side with sour cream and place it on the inflamed area. The compress should be left overnight. Repeat the procedure up to 3-4 times a day;
Red fabric. Wrap the problematic limb in a red cloth and warm it on top with a hot hairdryer for 1-3 minutes;
Potato. Treatment of erysipelas is carried out using raw potatoes, which must be grated. Place the resulting pulp on the inflamed area in a thick layer. Wrap the top with red cotton cloth.

In addition to basic treatment, it is imperative to follow the rules of personal hygiene:

If the disease is in severe form and a purulent lesion has begun to develop, then an opening and creation of an outflow of pus from the source of inflammation is indicated. For this purpose, surgical intervention is performed, which helps to avoid purulent intoxication.

Preventive measures

To avoid infection and relapse, you must follow some rules:

It is important to maintain personal hygiene and properly treat areas of damage, for example, wounds, abrasions, etc.;
It is necessary to promptly treat chronic and infectious diseases, avoid diaper rash and excessive exposure to UV radiation;
Loose clothing made from natural fabrics should be worn.

We have presented to your attention basic information regarding erysipelas of the hands. Remember that it is important to see a doctor in time to get qualified help.

The disease erysipelas owes its name to the French word rouge (red), because it is characterized severe redness skin, swelling, pain, fever. The source of inflammation quickly grows, suppuration begins, pain and burning intensify. Why does erysipelas occur? skin and mucous membrane? Find out about the etiology of this disease, methods of its treatment, and possible complications.

Causes of the disease

The root cause of the disease (ICD-10 code) is infection with the most dangerous looking streptococcal family of bacteria - beta-hemolytic streptococcus group A. It occurs upon contact with a patient or carrier of this infection, through dirty hands, by airborne droplets. Whether inflammation is contagious or not depends on general condition(immunity), contact and other factors. Contribute to the penetration and development of infection and skin damage:

abrasions, cuts;
bedsores;
injection sites;
bites;
chicken pox(ulcers);
herpes;
shingles;
psoriasis;
dermatitis;
eczema;
chemical irritation;
boils;
folliculitis;
scarring.

The risk of infection increases in people with thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, lymphovenous insufficiency, fungal infections, constantly wearing rubber clothes and shoes, and bedridden patients. Complications after ENT diseases and immunosuppressive factors contribute to the penetration and development of infection:

taking certain medications;
chemotherapy;
endocrine diseases;
cirrhosis of the liver;
atherosclerosis;
AIDS;
anemia;
smoking;
oncology;
addiction;
exhaustion;
alcoholism.

In what areas does it develop most often?

Erysipelas is local inflammation affecting individual areas of the skin. The following parts of the body are most susceptible to outbreaks:

Legs. Inflammation occurs as a result of infection with streptococci through skin damage from calluses, fungus, and injuries. Development is facilitated by impaired lymph flow and blood circulation caused by thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis, varicose veins veins Bacteria getting through skin lesions into the body, begin to multiply in lymphatic vessels shins.
Hands. This part of the body in women is susceptible to erysipelas due to stagnation of lymph after mastectomy. The skin of the hands becomes infected at the injection sites.
Face and head. Erysipelas as a complication is possible during and after ENT diseases. So, for example, the ear ( Auricle), the neck and head become inflamed with otitis media. Streptococcal conjunctivitis provokes the development of inflammation around the eye sockets, and sinus infections cause the formation of a characteristic butterfly-shaped erysipelas (nose and cheeks).
Torso. Here skin inflammation occurs in the area surgical sutures when a streptococcal infection is introduced into them. In newborns - the umbilical opening. Possible manifestations of skin lesions with herpes and herpes zoster, in areas of bedsores.
Genitals. Appears in the area of the female labia majora, scrotum in men, develops in the area anus, perineum, in places of diaper rash, scratching, skin abrasions.

Characteristic signs and symptoms

Inflammation of the skin begins with a sudden increase in temperature (up to 39-40 degrees!) and severe chills shaking the body. The fever lasts about a week, is accompanied by clouding of consciousness, delirium, convulsions, severe weakness, muscle pain, dizziness. These signs are characteristic of the first wave of intoxication. 10-15 hours after infection, bright redness of the skin occurs, caused by vasodilation under the influence of staphylococcal toxins. After one or two weeks, the intensity weakens and the skin begins to peel off.

The source of infection is limited to a noticeable ridge (thickening of the skin), has uneven edges, and grows quickly. The skin begins to become shiny, the patient experiences severe burning and pain at the site of the lesion. The complicated form of erysipelas is characterized by:

blisters with pus;
hemorrhages;
bubbles with transparent contents.

Which doctor should I contact?

Diagnosis of the disease is not difficult. The symptoms of inflammation are so obvious that a correct diagnosis can be made based on clinical picture. Which doctor treats erysipelas of the skin? Initial examination carried out by a dermatologist. Based on the survey, identifying visual signs of erysipelas of the skin, the doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis and prescribes general analysis blood. If necessary, the patient is referred to a therapist, infectious disease specialist, immunologist, surgeon, and bacteriological diagnostic methods are used.

How and with what to treat erysipelas

Antibacterial therapy is prescribed to destroy the pathogen. To eliminate skin damage caused by inflammation, physiotherapeutic methods are used, in complicated cases - chemotherapy, surgery. Traditional medicine, which has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and calming effect, is used as an additional healing effect for the regeneration of damaged skin tissue and restoration of immunity after treatment.

Drug therapy

The basis for the treatment of erysipelas of the skin, like others infectious diseases, antibiotic therapy is required. These drugs (along with other antibacterial agents) destroy the pathogen, stopping the development of inflammation, stopping destructive processes in tissues. In addition to these, an appointment is made antihistamines, helping the body fight allergies to streptococcal toxins.

Antibiotics

Treatment with antibiotics is prescribed according to a specific scheme, which takes into account the mechanism of action of a group of drugs and the method of administration of the drug:

Benzylpenicillin. Intramuscular, subcutaneous injections course from seven to thirty days.
Phenoxymethylpenicillin. Syrup, tablets - six times a day, 0.2 grams, for a course of five to ten days.
Bicillin-5. Intramuscular monthly injections for two to three years for prevention.
Doxycycline. 100 mg tablets twice daily.
Levomycetin. Tablets 250-500 mg three to four times a day, for a course of one to two weeks.
Erythromycin. Tablets of 0.25 g four to five times a day.

Antihistamines

Medicines with antihistamine (antiallergic, desensitizing) action to prevent relapses are prescribed in tablet form. A course of therapy, lasting seven to ten days, is aimed at relieving swelling and resolving the infiltrate in areas of the skin affected by streptococcus. Prescribed medications:

Diazolin;
Suprastin;
Diphenhydramine;
Tavegil.

Local treatment: powders and ointments

When treating an area of skin affected by inflammation, local external treatment is effective, for which antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing medications are used. Dry powders, healing solutions are made from crushed tablets, ready-made aerosols and ointments are used (except for syntomycin, ichthyol, Vishnevsky!):

Dimexide. Gauze folded in six layers is saturated with 50% medicinal solution, apply to the inflamed area for two hours, capturing part healthy skin Around him. Applications are carried out twice a day.
Enteroseptol. Tablets crushed into powder are used for powders - twice a day, on a dry and clean surface.
Furacilin. Bandages with the solution are applied to areas of skin inflammation as compresses and left for three hours. The procedure is carried out in the morning and before bedtime.
Oxycyclosol aerosol. The areas of inflammation are treated with the drug twice a day.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

This group of drugs is prescribed in addition to antibacterial therapy in order to relieve symptoms accompanying skin inflammation (fever, pain syndrome etc.), with persistent infiltration. In medicinal therapeutic treatment NSAIDs used include:

Chlotazol;
Butadion;
Ortofen;
Ibuprofen;
Aspirin;
Analgin;
Reopirin and others.

Chemotherapy for severe forms of the disease

In complicated cases, the course of treatment is supplemented with sulfonamides, which slow down the growth and reproduction of bacteria, glucocorticoids (steroid hormones), immunomodulatory drugs, nitrofurans, multivitamins, thymus preparations, proteolytic enzymes:

Taktivin;
Dekaris;
Biseptol;
Streptocide;
Furazolidone;
Furadonin;
Prednisolone;
Methyluracil;
Pentoxyl;
Ascorutin;
Ascorbic acid.

Physiotherapy

The purpose of this type of care for patients with erysipelas is to eliminate the manifestations associated with skin inflammation (swelling, soreness, allergic reaction), will improve blood circulation, activate lymph flow:

Ultraviolet treatment (UVR) of the site of inflammation. A course consisting of 2-12 sessions is prescribed from the first days of treatment of inflammation, combined with taking antibiotics.
Magnetic therapy. Wave exposure high frequency area of the adrenal glands stimulates the release of steroid hormones, reduces swelling, relieves pain, and reduces allergic reactions. Assigned at the beginning complex treatment, includes no more than seven procedures.
Electrophoresis. Includes 7-10 procedures, prescribed a week after the start of treatment, reduces infiltration.
UHF course (5-10 sessions) is aimed at warming tissues and improving their blood supply. Prescribed a week after the start of treatment.
Laser treatment is used during the recovery phase. Infrared irradiation heals formed ulcers, improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition, eliminates swelling, and activates protective processes.
Paraffin treatment is carried out in the form of local applications. Prescribed 5-7 days from the onset of the disease, promotes better nutrition tissues, eliminating residual effects.

Surgical intervention

This type treatment of erysipelas is indicated for its purulent forms and purulent-necrotic complications, the occurrence of phlegmon, abscesses. Surgical intervention is carried out in several stages:

opening of an abscess;
emptying its contents;
drainage;
autodermoplasty.

Folk remedies for treatment at home

Treatment of erysipelas of the leg and other parts of the body is effective only with the use of antibacterial medications, and before the discovery of antibiotics it was fought with spells and traditional medicine. Some are really effective, helping to cure erysipelas, as they have an antiseptic effect and relieve inflammation:

Wash the inflamed areas with a decoction of chamomile and coltsfoot (1:1). Prepare it from a spoon of the mixture and a glass of boiling water, heat it in a steam bath, leave for 10 minutes.
Lubricate damaged skin with a mixture of rosehip oil and Kalanchoe juice. The product is used at the healing stage, when the skin begins to peel off.
Rozhu and others skin diseases on the face and genitals is treated with a decoction of calendula or string.
Lubricate with cream made from natural sour cream and fresh mashed burdock leaf (morning and evening).
They make lotions with alcohol tincture eucalyptus (two to three times a day).

Possible complications and consequences

The disease is dangerous not only due to possible relapses and repeated manifestations. At untimely treatment the infection can spread to internal organs, cause sepsis, have consequences such as:

gangrene;
thrombophlebitis;
lymphadenitis;
trophic ulcer;
elephantiasis;
skin necrosis.

Video

Do you want to learn about the mechanism of occurrence and development of acute erysipelas of the skin? Watch the story of the program “Doctor and...” below. Using a real-life example, the presenters consider possible reasons diseases, methods of treatment (medication, physiotherapy), possible complications, relapses. Doctors comment on the situation: dermatologist, phlebologist, infectious disease specialist.