Illness of erysipelas. Clinical manifestations and treatment

Erysipelas is a disease of infectious etiology, in which the skin is affected. Most often it is registered among women, in 60% of cases it develops in people older than 40 years. In addition, for this pathology is characterized by a clear seasonality - exacerbations occur in the summer-autumn period.

Erysipelas: etiology

Illness of the erysipelas occurs when the infection (streptococci) enters the body exogenously or when the bacterial flora is transferred through the lymphatic and circulatory system. It should be noted that the achievements of modern medicine and antiseptics are at a sufficiently high level, therefore this pathology is rare.

The development of the disease contributes to abrasions and bruises, the presence of trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, more often the face can be after intense sun exposure or hypothermia, with fungal lesions, as well as in the presence of liver and heart pathologies. It is also worth noting that the erysipelas is registered among children living in poor living conditions and not observing personal hygiene.

The causative agents of this pathology are streptococci, although in the future the staphylococcal flora, which actively participates in the pathological process, also becomes more active.

Erysipelas: symptoms

The prodromal period ranges from a few hours to five days. In most cases, this disease begins acutely.

The initial period is manifested by symptoms of general intoxication. Subsequently, the following complaints are noted:

• General weakness and chills;
• Headaches and muscle pains ;
• In 30% of cases, nausea and vomiting occur;
• A high temperature (up to 40 ° C) is typical;
• On the affected areas there are marked violent, burning pains of low intensity.

In the future, the disease of erysipelas is manifested by characteristic skin lesions. A small pink spot appears, which after a couple of hours turns into a peculiar erysipelatous inflammation with indistinct edges. Damaged skin is red, edematous, moderately painful on palpation. The increased effusion in the zone of inflammatory changes causes the formation of blisters, after the opening of which wounds are formed. If these bubbles remain intact, then in the future they dry up, forming brown crusts.

It is worth noting that the erysipelas is characterized by prolonged residual skin changes. So, for a few months there is pigmentation and puffiness of the skin, as well as dense and dry crusts, which are placed on the site of the blisters.

Erysipelas: treatment

Therapy of this lesion is performed taking into account the severity of the course. Indications for hospitalization are: a severe clinical picture, frequent relapses, the presence of severe accompanying pathologies in the patient, children and senile age.

An important place in the treatment of erysipelas is taken by antibiotic therapy. In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, a complex of vitamins. Patients undergo disintoxication and symptomatic therapy. It is recommended to take cardiovascular drugs, diuretic, antipyretic drugs, prednisolone.