Erysipelas
Erysipelas (or erysipelas) is a fairly common disease, at risk of which are, as a rule, men, whose main activity is inextricably linked with sudden changes in temperatures and frequent contamination of the face. This disease manifests itself on the hands and feet, somewhat less often on the face and genitals.
The disease brings not only physical, but also moral discomfort, since its manifestations are noticeable to others.
CAUSES OF ERYSIPELAS
The main reason is the penetration of streptococcus through cracks, diaper rash and abrasions on the skin. About a sixth of the world’s population is infected with this disease, but do not have its obvious manifestations. In order for the erysipelas to enter the active phase, the presence of certain factors that provoke the disease is required:
Injuries and bruises.
Tan.
Regular exposure of the skin to sudden temperature changes.
Violations of the integrity of the human skin (scratching, scuffs, injections).
Erysipelas can also manifest as a consequence of other diseases:
Decreased immunity.
Chronic somatic diseases.
The presence of foci of chronic streptococcal infection.
Varicose veins.
Fatness.
Alcoholism.
TYPES OF ERYSIPELAS
Erythematous form. There is swelling, redness and soreness in the affected area. The color of inflammation is uniform, has clear boundaries and rises above the skin. The edges of the inflammation have an irregular shape in the form of notches.
Erythematous bullous form. Develops as erythematous, but over time, the top layer of the skin peels off at the site of inflammation with the formation of bubbles with transparent contents. In severe cases, bubbles provoke the onset of erosion.
Erythematous-hemorrhagic form. The development is similar to the erythematous form, but over time hemorrhages occur in the affected areas of the skin at the site of inflammation.
Bullous-hemorrhagic form. The development is similar to the erythematous bullous form, but the blisters that form at the site of inflammation are filled with bloody contents.
Recurrent erysipelas. It is diagnosed if the disease occurs within two years after the first manifestation of erysipelas. It manifests itself due to the lack of timely and full-fledged treatment of the first manifestation of the disease or due to concomitant diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, mycoses, venous diseases, immune insufficiency.
SYMPTOMS OF ERYSIPELAS
The main symptom of this disease is skin changes, which manifests itself in various areas of the skin, in the form of redness. They are joined by itching and swelling. Common symptoms include:
A significant increase in body temperature, causing seizures or delirium (in severe form of the disease).
Rapid heartbeat.
Vomiting and nausea.
DIAGNOSIS OF ERYSIPELAS
For the final confirmation of the disease, its differentiation from other infectious skin diseases with similar signs is necessary: systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatitis, eczema, etc. It is important to identify the general clinical picture, the onset of the disease, its symptoms, the characteristic localization of inflammation, the presence or absence of pain.
As a rule, laboratory diagnostics for the detection of pathogens is not carried out.
ERYSIPELAS TREATMENT
In some cases, treatment may be outpatient, but in severe cases, mandatory hospitalization is indicated.
Medication is prescribed with an emphasis on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and disinfection therapy. Local treatment is based on the opening of blisters and frequent replacement of gauze bandages.
In order to eliminate residual phenomena faster, after the acute phase of erysipelas, physiotherapeutic treatment (UHF, ultraviolet) is prescribed.
