Erysipelas is a dangerous infectious disease

Erysipelas (erysipelas) is called an infectious skin disease caused by streptococcus, which is externally manifested by a progressive lesion of the skin. The introduction of streptococcus into the body occurs through the damaged surface of the skin (small wounds, scratches, cracks, scrapes, bruises). Sometimes the disease penetrates the blood from the foci of infection (angina) or arises as a complication of purulent wounds.

Erysipelas most often affects the legs and face, but it also occurs on other parts of the body. The disease begins suddenly: body temperature rises to 40 ° C and is accompanied by chills, headache, often nausea and vomiting, sometimes delirium begins. Erysipelas of the foot can be easily diagnosed: the affected area turns red and becomes hot to the touch. The sore spot begins to shine and shine and rises a little above the main level of the skin. Painful swelling of the red begins to creep along the leg, increasing in size from 2 to 10 cm per day. The general appearance resembles flames with clear outlines.

Erysipelas on the leg happens:

• Erythematous form, in which the affected area is characterized by soreness, redness (erythema), and swelling. Erythema rises above the skin, has clear boundaries, bright color and is prone to peripheral dissemination.
• Erythematous-bullous, when in 1-3 days from the moment of the disease the upper layer in place of the erythema exfoliates, and bubbles of different sizes are formed, filled with transparent contents. They eventually burst, forming browns. Sometimes in their place there are erosions, which can go to trophic ulcers.
• Erythematous hemorrhagic, having manifestations similar to the erythematous form, only in this case hemorrhages appear in the affected areas.
• Bullous-hemorrhagic form, which is similar to erythematous-bullous, with the only difference is that the resulting bubbles are filled with hemorrhagic (ie, bloody) contents, and not transparent.

To cause erysipelas to spread, a provocative factor should appear, which include: stressful situations, hypothermia or overheating of the body, sunburn, breach of skin integrity, heat stroke, severe emotional shock. In addition, erysipelas Can be provoked by obesity, diabetes, fungus on the legs, varicose veins, alcoholism.

At the first symptoms of the disease, you should consult a doctor without delay. Erysipelous foot inflammation requires medication, which can be prescribed only by a specialist. Usually, he recommends antibiotic treatment (Penicillin, Tetracycline), taking multivitamin preparations and drinking plenty. The treatment may include vascular wall firming drugs, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic agents. During periods of exacerbation, bed rest is prescribed and, if necessary, hospitalization of the patient.

Erysipelatous foot inflammation can recur due to any, even a small wound or scuff, so you should always make it a rule to always have iodine or another antiseptic on hand and immediately treat every scratch on the body with a disinfectant.

In the event that someone in the family gets sick with erysipelas, you should pay due attention to preventive measures. The patient should be carefully monitored so that the skin of the affected area does not suffer damage and try, as far as possible, to avoid direct contact with other family members.

Some patients prefer erysipelas to treat folk methods. Official medicine is skeptical about these methods, but it is quite possible to use them as concomitant and additional.