Erysipelas (erysipelas) are called an infectious disease of the skin caused by streptococcus, which externally manifests itself as a progressive skin lesion. The introduction of streptococcus into the body occurs through the damaged surface of the skin (small wounds, scratches, cracks, abrasions, bruises). Sometimes the disease penetrates through the blood from the foci of infection (tonsillitis) or occurs as a complication of purulent wounds.
Erysipelas often affects the legs and face, but 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 leg is easy to diagnose: the affected area turns red and becomes hot to the touch. The sore spot begins to shine and shine and rises slightly above the main level of the skin. Painful swollen redness begins to creep along the leg, increasing in size from 2 to 10 cm per day. The general appearance resembles tongues of flame with clear outlines.
Erysipelas on the leg can be:
- 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 distribution.
- erythematous-bullous, when after 1-3 days from the moment of the disease, the upper layer at the site of erythema exfoliates and bubbles of different sizes are formed, filled with transparent contents. They burst over time, forming brown crusts. Sometimes erosions appear in their place, which can turn into trophic ulcers.
- erythematic-hemorrhagic, having an appearance 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 that the resulting bubbles are filled with hemorrhagic (i.e., bloody) contents, and not transparent.
In order for erysipelas to begin to spread, a provoking factor should appear, which can include: stressful situations, hypothermia or overheating of the body, sunburn, impaired skin integrity, heat stroke, severe emotional shock. In addition, erysipelas of the legs can be triggered by obesity, diabetes mellitus, fungus on the legs, varicose veins, alcoholism.
At the first symptoms of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor. Erysipelas of the foot requires the use of drugs that can only be prescribed by a specialist. He usually recommends treatment with antibiotics (Penicillin, Tetracycline), taking multivitamin preparations, and drinking plenty of fluids. The composition of the treatment may include vascular wall strengthening drugs, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drugs. During periods of exacerbation, bed rest is prescribed , and if necessary, hospitalization of the patient.
Erysipelas of the leg can recur due to any, even a small wound or scuff, so you should 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 an erysipelas, due attention should be given to preventative measures. The patient should be carefully monitored so that no damage occurs on the skin of the affected area and try, as far as possible, to avoid direct contact with other family members.
Erysipelas of the foot, some patients prefer to treat folk methods. Official medicine is skeptical about such methods, but it is quite possible to use them as concomitant and additional.