What lotions for erysipelas. Issues of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of erysipelas. Causing factors that cause disease

The skin is the outer cover of the human body with an area of about 1.6 m2, which performs several important tasks: mechanical protection of tissues and organs, tactile sensitivity(touch), thermoregulation, gas exchange and metabolism, protection of the body from the penetration of microbes.

But sometimes the skin itself becomes the object of attack by microorganisms - then dermatological diseases develop, among which is erysipelas.

Erysipelas (erysipelas) - what is it?

Erysipelas is an acute diffuse inflammation of the skin (less often mucous membranes) of infectious origin, usually affecting the face or lower legs.

Erysipelas is caused by group beta-hemolytic streptococcus A when it penetrates into the thickness of the skin through minor abrasions, cuts, insect bites, scratches, abrasions.

Erysipelas is more common in men of working age and in women over 45 years of age. For children under the age of one year, it is a mortal danger (photo 3).

The prevalence of the disease is high - the fourth place after acute respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections and hepatitis.

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus

Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus itself (GABHS) was discovered relatively recently (150 years ago), but mankind has been familiar with the diseases it causes for a long time.

Angina, pharyngitis, laryngitis, scarlet fever, rheumatism, severe damage to kidney tissue - this is not a complete list of pathological conditions caused by GABHS. The Ministry of Health states that the damage to the economy from β-hemolytic streptococcus is 10 times greater than the damage from all viral hepatitis.

It belongs to the conditionally pathogenic microflora, because it is present in almost all people in the oral cavity, respiratory tract, skin and external genitalia. Good immunity limits its virulence (degree of infectivity).

GABHS very quickly spreads through the air, through the digestive tract and objects, so it is usually detected in rooms where children and labor groups stay for a long time, 57.6% of sore throats and 30.3% of acute respiratory infections are caused by it.

Streptococci survive when frozen and heated to 70°C for 2 hours; in dried biomaterial (blood, pus), they remain highly infectious for several months. Toxins cause severe heart and kidney disease.

For children, the carriage of the pathogen in the upper respiratory tract is more characteristic. When examining schoolchildren, BHSA is isolated in the nasopharynx by 20-25% of children.

Causes of erysipelas of the legs

The cause of erysipelas of the legs can be small abscesses, boils and carbuncles, purulent wounds. The spread of dangerous streptococcus in the skin can be facilitated by frequent hypothermia of the legs or excessive sunbathing, causing microtrauma of the skin.

Erysipelas on the leg is very often the result of other serious diseases:

diabetes;
varicose veins;
thrombophlebitis;
trophic ulcers;
fungal infection;
alcoholism;
obesity.

Stressful situations that sharply reduce immunity can give impetus to the attack of streptococcus on its carrier.

Chronic foci of infection in the form of destroyed teeth, enlarged tonsils 5-6 times increase the risk of erysipelas in any part of the body.

Symptoms of erysipelas of the leg, photo

A week later (on average) after the introduction of the pathogen into the skin, an acute onset of the disease occurs.

Suddenly there are signs of intoxication:

severe weakness,
temperature up to 40°C with chills,
excruciating headache,
aches in bones and muscles,
sometimes - nausea and vomiting.

During the day, symptoms of erysipelas appear on the lower leg: the affected area swells sharply, shines from tension and turns red. The name "erysipelas" comes from the word "red" in some European languages.

The inflamed area is separated from healthy skin by a demarcation roller. Its uneven scalloped outlines along the perimeter of the lesion are characteristic. Severe reddening of the skin is caused by hemolysis - the process of destruction of red blood cells (erythrocytes) by streptococcus.

When pressed with a finger, the redness disappears for a few seconds. The lesion is warmer to the touch than the surrounding tissue.

Pain and burning cause great suffering to the patient. The popliteal and inguinal lymph nodes become inflamed. In the direction of them from the affected area under the skin, dense reddish stripes are visible - lymphatic vessels, lymphangitis develops.

Diagnosis of erysipelas

Often the diagnosis is made without tests, according to the totality of general and local symptoms.

In other diseases, local symptoms often appear first, and only after them does intoxication appear.

Laboratory tests may confirm the presence of β-hemolytic streptococcus.

Forms of erysipelas of the leg

Based on the nature of local changes, there are:

1. Erythematous form- the site has a bright uniform color and clear boundaries.

2. Erythematous-hemorrhagic form- on the affected area, against the background of general redness (erythema), there are multiple pinpoint hemorrhages - a sign of damage to the blood capillaries.

3. Erythematous bullous(bulla, lat. - bubble) form - with it, on the third day, the upper layers of the skin are stratified with the formation of blisters.

The liquid in them contains a large mass of streptococci with a high degree of virulence, therefore, when opening the blisters, it is necessary to carefully carry out antiseptic treatment. Heal with the formation of a crust, under which smooth skin is formed.

4. Bullous-hemorrhagic form - in the blisters is an opaque bloody fluid.

5. Gangrenous form with areas of skin necrosis.

stands out wandering form when, within a few days, the lesion shifts to a neighboring area, and the primary focus flakes off and heals.

This form is typical for newborn children, with the rapid spread of erysipelas, children may die.

According to the severity of the disease are distinguished:

mild form (the affected area is small, the temperature is not higher than 38.5 ° C),
moderate (several small lesions, temperature up to 40 ° C for no more than 5 days)
a severe form, when bullous-hemorrhagic elements cover almost the entire body, the temperature is critical for several days, loss of consciousness, delirium and signs of meningitis.

The inflamed area of the skin remains sensitive to streptococcal infection even after healing, which gives grounds for the diagnosis of “repeated” and “recurrent” erysipelas.

Mild forms of erysipelas can be treated on an outpatient basis. Severe and advanced cases require inpatient treatment.

1) The first and main appointment is antibiotics in the form of intramuscular injections or orally. Penicillin antibiotics have retained their effectiveness in the fight against hemolytic streptococcus.

They are combined with taking oleandomycin, furazolidone, erythromycin for one to two weeks.

2) Their action is enhanced by sulfanilamide preparations (biseptol).

3) Be sure to prescribe vitamins and biostimulants (levamisole, pentoxyl, methyluracil) to restore immunity and the fastest healing of the focus.

4) Non-steroidal drugs are prescribed as anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs: aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, baralgin, reopirin.

5) In case of severe intoxication, glucose solution or reopyrin is repeatedly injected.

6) To relieve intoxication, plenty of fluids and diuretics are prescribed.

7) Physiotherapeutic procedures:

ultraviolet irradiation in the acute period has a bacteriostatic effect;
lidase electrophoresis,
ozokerite,
magnetotherapy.

The last three procedures improve lymph flow, preventing the development of elephantiasis.

8) Antihistamines prevent sensitization of the body.

9) Sclerotherapy - the introduction into the affected veins of a substance that causes narrowing and resorption of the vessel - promotes the rapid healing of blisters and the healing of the inflamed skin area.

10) Endovasal laser coagulation - leads to the disappearance of the lumen in diseased veins, preventing the development of lymphostasis.

11) Surgical treatment of the lesion:

opening the blisters, treating them with a solution of furacillin, enteroseptol in the form of powder, erythromycin ointment;
excision of inflamed veins and necrotic areas.

12) In severe cases, a blood or plasma transfusion is performed.

Treatment of erysipelas of the leg is carried out by a doctor. In order to avoid complications, the patient must strictly comply with all medical prescriptions, even with outpatient treatment.

In the treatment of erysipelas at home It is important to know:

1) You can not tightly bandage the affected area, only light bandages are allowed, which are changed several times a day after antiseptic treatment of the skin.

2) You can not use and - they increase the influx of interstitial fluid and slow down the healing process;
excessive softening of the skin with ointments will lead to additional infection of the wounds.

3) After opening the blisters, you can treat the erosion with hydrogen peroxide and dry the skin under them with powder, which includes:

boric acid (3 g),
xeroform (12 g),
streptocide (8 g).

From above, cover the wound surface with a two-layer gauze.

Complications of erysipelas

Erysipelatous inflammation can go away on its own: after two weeks from the onset of the disease, the redness subsides, but the swelling and pigmentation of the skin remains for a long time. There is a high chance of a repeat process.

With insufficiently active treatment, erysipelas causes general and local complications. It is especially dangerous for patients with diabetes mellitus, allergies, varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, with heart failure and HIV infection.

There is a danger of developing pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis.

Streptococcus toxins cause rheumatism, myocarditis and glomerulonephritis.

Local complications are phlegmons and abscesses, trophic ulcers and lymphostasis (elephantiasis), in which the volume of limb tissues increases sharply due to the accumulation of interstitial fluid and thickening of the skin.

Elephantiasis develops in 15% of all cases of erysipelas. It is accompanied by such phenomena as papillomas, eczema, lymphorrhea (lymph effusion from thickened pigmented skin). All this greatly complicates the life of the patient.

The prognosis after erysipelas on the legs depends on the severity of the disease and the body's immunity.

Recurrent forms often develop when staphylococcal flora is also attached to GABHS.

Due to acquired lymphostasis, working capacity may be reduced.

In general, the prognosis for the patient's life is favorable if complications have been avoided.

Prevention of erysipelas

There is no specific prevention. To prevent erysipelas, some general and local measures must be observed.

limit contact with patients with erysipelas, after contact, carry out antiseptic treatment of their skin;
take care of strengthening immunity by establishing a daily routine, physical education, avoiding stressful situations;
eliminate foci of chronic streptococcal infection in time, monitor the state of health;
establish the right healthy eating- hemolytic streptococcus multiplies rapidly in stale food, giving particular preference to meat broths;
in order to avoid relapses after erysipelas, year-round carry out prophylactic injections of bicillin.

Local Measures:

pay more attention to your feet - wash them regularly, avoid blisters and scuffs, minor cuts, hypothermia and overheating;
monitor the condition of the venous system and contact a specialist in time.

Erysipelatous inflammation mkb 10

In the international classifier of diseases ICD 10, erysipelas is:

Class I
- A30 - A49 Other bacterial diseases

A46 Erysipelas

According to statistics, every fourth person on the planet had erysipelas. A tendency to relapse is observed in a large number of patients: a third of the patients are re-treated within six months, and in some the course of the disease does not stop for up to three years.

Erysipelatous infection of the skin on the legs most often affects the lower leg area. The causative agent of the pathology is group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. This strain belongs to the category of opportunistic microflora, which is present in small quantities on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes of any person.

Getting on the skin, the microorganism begins to actively interact with the cells in search of a "gateway" for the infection to enter.

Any abrasions, cuts, scratching serve as an excellent environment for the introduction of the pathogen into the subcutaneous layers. If a person has good immunity, then streptococcus does not pose a health hazard.

In weakened people, insufficient resistance of the organism gives rise to an active pathological effect of the microorganism with the development of certain disease states.

Erysipelas are especially active in summer and autumn. Penetrating into the skin, streptococcus toxins are absorbed into the cells and cause swelling and redness. With repeated cases of the occurrence of pathology in one place, indicates an allergic underlying reason.

In addition to a disease called erysipelas, beta-hemolytic streptococcus causes infectious and inflammatory diseases upper respiratory tract: tonsillitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, rheumatism and other pathologies.

Erysipelas on the legs is often associated with vascular pathologies of the lower extremities, impaired outflow of lymphatic fluid, and thrombophlebitis. Frequent recurrences of erysipelas on the legs contribute to the development of elephantiasis and lymphostasis.

At-risk groups

More than half of those infected are women over the age of 50. This tendency in most cases is associated with damage to the veins of the lower extremities. is a concomitant factor for the occurrence of erysipelas on the leg.
Infants can become infected due to poor-quality treatment of the umbilical wound.
There is an opinion among physicians that erysipelas more often affects people with 3 blood groups.
People of all ages who are debilitated after frequent illness experience a deficiency of immunity. Streptococcus, without encountering active resistance, actively multiplies, after which an active form of pathology develops. Pathogenic microflora causes sensitization of the body, which in response begins to actively produce immunoglobulin E, which binds foreign protein compounds.
Persons experiencing regular stress shocks.

Causes of erysipelas

Is the erysipelas on the leg contagious to others? Yes, erysipelas can be infected if the state of immunity is sad. One of the main causes of infection is a violation of the integrity of the skin on the legs in the form of abrasions, scratches, cuts, wounds. The pathogen penetrates the epidermis and begins to actively develop erysipelas.

Pustular skin diseases contribute to the development of the pathological process: abscesses, non-healing fistulas, phlegmon. An erysipelas joins an existing infection, as a complication to the affected part of the body.

Weeping eczema, an allergic rash is often a favorable environment for the development of pathology. The constant causes the patient to comb the place of localization of the rash, after which the active streptococcus causes a disease called erysipelas.

The toxic effect of the pathogen, in turn, acts as a sensitizer, increasing the production of histamine in the blood, which is the cause of the allergy. This condition should be treated and monitored by a doctor.

Hemolytic streptococcus can be an independent allergen, therefore, with constant contact for a long time, a person may develop anaphylactic shock.

Chronic foci of infection that develop as a result of untreated caries, enlarged tonsils, the presence of adenoids, contribute to the appearance of erysipelas, including on the legs.

Exposure to cold, which leads to hypothermia of the skin of the legs, as well as prolonged exposure to the sun, leads to the appearance of microtraumas that disrupt the protective function of the skin.

The tendency to unrest, irritability and anxiety negatively affects the human body, causing a weakened immune system. At the time of the attack of staphylococcus, T-lymphocytes do not have time to cope with the infection, and the person develops erysipelas.

Some diseases serve as an additional risk factor:

in patients with diabetes there is a medical concept "", which manifests itself on the skin of the lower extremities;
arising from and thrombophlebitis;
skin on the legs;
smoking and alcoholism;
excess weight.

The causative agent of erysipelas on the legs

How is the infection transmitted? Infectious erythema erysipelas is caused by streptococcus. The spherical bacterium is ubiquitous, resistant to environment, becomes inactive at temperatures above 45 degrees.

Streptococci are transmitted by contact with dirty hands, household and personal hygiene items. In small quantities, the bacterium does not have a pathological effect.

When the function of the immune system is impaired, an inflammatory reaction begins, with normal health indicators, a person becomes a carrier of streptococcus. The microorganism lives on the skin without posing a threat, but only until the person has a good state of immunity.

Harm caused to a person by streptococcus:

destroys the structure of a human cell;
causes thyroid and thymus hormones to synthesize a large number of cytokines, the result of which is inflammation;
actively fights against antibodies against streptococcus, the number of which is decreasing, and streptococci actively multiply, causing pathology;
dilate blood vessels and reduce permeability, which leads to the appearance of edematous areas in the focus of inflammation;
suppresses the activity of the immune system, reducing the number of antibodies that can prevent the development of pathology.

Erysipelas symptoms

Erysipelas on the legs has an acute onset with severe symptoms. The causative agent causes not only local inflammation, the disease affects the entire body.

The manifestation of erysipelas on the legs:

The disease begins with a sharp deterioration of the body with signs of intoxication and dyspeptic disorders. A sharp increase in body temperature up to 40 degrees, causing chills and shaking of the whole body. Such values of hyperthermia develop due to the pyrogenic properties of streptococcus. In complicated cases, the patient may have convulsive conditions and clouding of consciousness. The feverish state persists for up to 10 days.
Within 20 hours after the onset of inflammation, a red evenly colored spot appears on the damaged area of the skin of the leg. This reaction is associated with dilated capillaries under the influence of staphylococcus toxins. Hyperemia persists for up to 2 weeks, after which the active upper layer of the epidermis begins at the site of the lesion, which has undergone necrosis when interacting with toxins.
A roller-like thickening appears on the site of the red inflamed skin of the lower leg. External elevation above healthy skin is painful and hot to the touch. Obvious signs of inflammation confirm the highest prevalence of the pathogen in this area of the skin.
The formed quickly increases in size, can cover up to half of the surface of the lower leg. Such activity is associated with the ability of streptococcus to quickly penetrate into healthy cells, causing their irritation.
Erythema on the leg does not have clear boundaries, the edges of redness are uneven, in appearance they resemble the outline of a geographical map.
The feeling of intense pain at the site of erythema is one of the classic symptoms of an inflammatory response. The pain reaction increases with palpation, causing suffering to the patient.
skin integument of varying intensity occurs as a result of inflammation and weakness of the walls of the capillaries, which pass a large amount of lymphatic fluid.
Enlarged lymph nodes are direct evidence of the presence of a pathological reaction. The nodes can increase significantly, become painful when pressed.
Educated erythema can be evenly inflamed, but often complicated conditions develop at the site of the focus of inflammation:
- rupture of capillaries with the formation of small hemorrhages;
- education filled with transparent exudate;
- with blood or contents.

Diagnostics

Which doctor treats erysipelas of the leg? When the first symptoms appear, in order to differentiate erysipelas, you need to seek advice from a competent dermatologist. Upon examination, the doctor will advise you to contact an infectious disease specialist if the patient's condition requires it.

Diagnosis begins with the collection of anamnesis and visual examination of the patient. The doctor uses questions to clarify the symptoms, possible reasons the appearance of erysipelas on the leg.

The second stage is an examination of the external lesion of the skin: the structure and extent of erythema, the presence of an attached infection, an increase in large lymph nodes in the inguinal region.

A blood test is prescribed by the method of laboratory research. What indicators of the study indicate the presence of erysipelas:

ESR indicators will be significantly increased, which indicates an inflammatory process;
neutrophils show the presence of an allergic reaction, therefore, with increased values of the latter, the doctor determines the sensitization of the body.

To determine the antibiotic that will be effective in this type of infection, a bacteriological examination of the skin is performed.

The determination of sensitivity is determined in the laboratory tank conditions by inoculation. Skin particles for research are taken directly from the affected areas.

Erysipelas on the legs

According to the appearance of the external infectious manifestation, there are:

The erythematous form proceeds in the form of uncomplicated redness.
Erythematous-hemorrhagic - on redness, numerous hemorrhages in the form of dots are observed.
The erythematous-bullous form is accompanied by the appearance of exfoliated skin on a hyperemic surface. There is such a symptom on the 3rd day of the disease, after a while they are filled with a clear liquid.
Bullous-hemorrhagic - the resulting blisters are filled with blood obsession.
The gangrenous form got its name because of the necrotic areas of the skin of the legs after erysipelas.

There are three degrees of severity of erysipelas on the leg:

Light - erythema of small size, hyperthermia within 38.5C.
Medium - the lesion occupies a large area of \u200b\u200bthe lower leg, there may be the formation of several lesions. Body temperature rises no more than 5 days to forty degrees.
Severe - a huge erythema is covered with blood bubbles, a high degree of hyperemia is observed up to 10 days. The patient is likely to have seizures, meningeal syndrome.

After the acute period subsides, the infected skin heals, remaining painful and vulnerable. Such areas remain susceptible to streptococcal infection for a long time, leading to re-infection. The recurrent form is dangerous for the development of complications due to the regular exposure of streptococcus to the body.

One of the most dangerous is the wandering form of erysipelas. Within a few days, staphylococcus aureus affects healthy tissues in different parts of the lower limb. While one area is healing, erythema appears in another.

This type of infection is especially dangerous for newborns, who can die from erysipelas.

Treatment of erysipelas of the leg

Despite the severity of the infectious disease, the treatment of erysipelas is successfully carried out at home. Doctors recognize the fact that traditional healers can cure erysipelas folk methods, but with the proviso that only a mild manifestation of pathology.

No conspiracies will replace antibiotics with their antibacterial action in erysipelas of the leg.

After making a diagnosis, the doctor individually prescribes complex treatment . For the treatment of erysipelas, measures can be divided into local procedures and general therapy.

General medical treatment

Antibiotics are the main treatment for erysipelas. A certain drug should be prescribed by the attending doctor after a study on the sensitivity of streptococcus to a particular type of antibiotic. So far, antibiotics of the penicillin series, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, ceftriaxone have not lost their effectiveness in erysipelas on the leg.
Antiallergic drugs will remove the manifestations of allergies, help stabilize the general condition. Suprastin, Tavegil, Loratadine are prescribed tablets or injections depending on the type of degree of manifestation of sensitization of the body.
Sulfanilamide drugs enhance the effect of antibiotics, are taken in parallel to enhance the treatment of erysipelas on the leg with antibiotics.
Glucocorticoid agents are necessary for the development of lymphostasis, they also have a good antihistamine effect, but it is undesirable to use them without a doctor's prescription.
Biostimulants and immunomodulators improve the function of the immune system, increasing the body's resistance to infection.
A multivitamin complex that strengthens and maintains the general condition of the body.
Thymus preparations increase the synthesis of T-lymphocytes, which enhance the immune function.

All of the above points can be used as a treatment for erysipelas on the leg at home, if the doctor has received the appropriate permission for outpatient therapy. Difficult cases must be treated in a hospital setting.

Local treatment of erysipelas at home

Beyond normalization general condition, erysipelatous inflammation of the leg is treated locally with medication, which contributes to the speedy healing of the skin of the legs. An untreated condition of the lesion site will subsequently lead to a relapse.

What procedures can be done at home:

Lotions with dimexide effectively remove inflammation, relieve pain, and have an antibacterial effect. Treatment consists in wetting a gauze pad in a 50% solution of dimexide and applying it to the affected area. Applications are carried out 2 times a day for 2 hours, and the size of the napkin should be much larger than the lesion.

For the treatment of erysipelas on the leg at home, you can prepare enteroseptol powder. Tablets should be crushed in a mortar and applied to dry, clean skin. The powder will not only prevent the further spread of the infection, but will also prevent the infection from joining.
You can treat erysipelas on the leg with compresses with furacilin. In a freshly prepared solution of furacilin, you need to moisten a gauze napkin and put it on the erythema area for 3 hours. Furacilin penetrates deep into the skin layers, destroying the infection.
Oxycyclosol aerosol is prescribed by doctors to create a barrier film against infection. The medicine is sprayed onto the erythema area, holding the can at a distance of 20 cm from the skin.
The use of ichthyol ointment or Vishnevsky liniment for erysipelas on the legs is prohibited. Ointment from erysipelas of the leg contributes to additional soaking of the affected surface and delays the recovery process. It is more expedient to use ointment from erysipelas on the leg for uncomplicated conditions based on antibiotics.

In addition to home treatments, it is good to add physiotherapy treatments, some of which can be done at home if you purchase the appropriate medical equipment:

ultraviolet irradiation with the help of UOFK-01 "Sun";
infrared therapy;
magnetotherapy.

For electrophoresis sessions and paraffin wraps, you will have to sign up for a physiotherapy room. Compliance with the treatment and recommendations of the doctor gives an excellent prognosis for recovery.

How not to get sick with erysipelas

To prevent infection, you need to adhere to simple rules: personal hygiene, good nutrition, regular hardening and taking strengthening vitamins. With the appearance of microtraumas or pustules of the skin of the legs, timely antiseptic treatment and treatment of wounds.

Erysipelas of the legs is a common problem. Is foot erysipelas contagious? Streptococcus is present in small quantities on surrounding objects, while a person has strong immunity, he is not threatened with infection.

Therefore, timely treatment of caries, chronic tonsillitis, adenoids will significantly reduce the risk of developing infectious erythema erysipelas.

About the author: admin

Erysipelas or erysipelas is a common infectious disease. It is characterized as a progressive skin inflammation.

Erysipelas appears after streptococcus enters the skin through mechanical damage. The disease may be in a closed form long time, so many people are not even aware of the infection.

In order for the disease to begin to manifest, a provoking factor is needed, which can be:

sudden hypothermia or vice versa overheating of the body;
the occurrence of stressful situations, nervous tension;
sunburn or sunburn;
getting injuries and bruises;
the presence of diabetes;
overweight;
alcoholism;
varicose veins;
trophic ulcers;
fungus on the sole of the foot;
weakened immunity, the presence of chronic somatic diseases.

Risk group

There are some factors that can be used to identify people at risk:

Women in old or old age;
Men whose professions are directly related to difficult working conditions, for example, a builder, a loader, a military man, etc.;
Also at risk are people who are in close contact with a person who has an erysipelas on his leg.

Forms of the disease

Erysipelas on the leg most often appears on the lower leg, hips and feet are affected much less frequently.

Experts classify the disease as follows.

According to the degree of manifestation of symptoms of the disease:

light;
moderate;
heavy.

By frequency of occurrence:

Depending on the distribution of erysipelas throughout the body:

localized;
limited;
common.

Character external changes is the last and most important feature:

Erythematous form - at first the skin turns red, and then a pronounced convex inflammation appears irregular shape. At the last stage, the skin begins to peel off;
Erythematous bullous - at first the skin turns red, then the inflammation begins to rise slightly and after 1-3 days upper layer leaves and bubbles form with a clear liquid. After they are opened, a crust is formed, after which erosion may appear after rejection;
Erythematous-hemorrhagic - the course of the disease coincides with erythematous erysipelas, with the difference that in this case bleeding of damaged areas occurs;
Bullous-hemorrhagic - the manifestation process is similar to the erythematous-bullous form of the disease, only the blisters are filled with bloody fluid.

Erysipelas is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person. Therefore, each patient needs to be very careful and avoid contact with other people.

Symptoms

Initially appear common features, which show the effect of erysipelas on the body as a whole:

Headache;
Pain in the muscles throughout the body;
Lethargy and weakness;
Poor digestibility of food eaten, that is, nausea and vomiting;
Increasing the temperature to critical levels;
In the most severe cases, hallucinations, loss of consciousness and convulsions are possible.

After about a day, local symptoms begin to appear, helping to correctly determine the presence of erysipelas on the leg:

In the future, the symptoms will be determined depending on the form of the disease.

It is worth remembering that erysipelas is a very dangerous disease and can cause such consequences as:

diseases of the genitourinary system;
disorders of the heart vascular system;
skin ulcers or necrosis;
abscess;
change in lymph circulation;
one of the most serious complications is elephantiasis.

Diagnostics

Erysipelas are treated by 2 specialists - a dermatologist and an infectious disease specialist. Usually, an external examination of the patient is sufficient to make a diagnosis, but in rare cases, a blood test for bacteriological culture may be taken in order to exclude other similar diseases.

What is erysipelas, how to recognize and treat it, the doctor tells, watch the video:

Treatment

In the initial stages, erysipelas responds well to treatment at home. But going to the doctor will increase the chances of a speedy recovery, because only a specialist can choose the right medicines.

In a neglected form, such a disease is treated in a hospital with the use of physiotherapy.

In the most difficult cases, surgery is possible.

What can not be done with erysipelas?

It is worth remembering that improper treatment can seriously harm the body, so you need to know what you should never do with erysipelas:

You can not tightly bandage the affected skin, only loosely fixed bandages are allowed;
These dressings must be changed several times a day, while carrying out antiseptic treatment of the skin.

In no case should you use Ichthyol ointment and Vishnevsky balm. These funds increase the influx of interstitial fluid, thereby slowing down the healing process.

Medical treatment

by the most effective way treatment of the disease is considered to be medicines.

Antibiotics

First of all, the doctor prescribes antibiotics, because the main goal of treatment is to get rid of the infection caused by streptococcus.

Depending on the degree of neglect of the disease, antibiotics can be prescribed orally, intramuscularly or intravenously.

The most common means are:

Immunomodulators

To cleanse the body of toxins, in addition to antibiotics, the following drugs can be prescribed to the patient:

Taktivin;
Timalin;
Decaris.

vitamins

In order to restore undermined immunity and speed up the process of recovery and healing of the focus of erysipelas, doctors recommend taking vitamins and biostimulants:

Levamisole;
Pentoxyl;
Methyluracil.

Non-steroidal drugs

Used as antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drugs, the following drugs are usually prescribed:

Ointments and powders

The use of local remedies significantly speeds up the healing process. Ointments and powders are applied directly to the focus of erysipelas, kill streptococcal bacteria and have a local anesthetic effect.

Most often in prescriptions of doctors you can find such means:

Chloroethyl lotions;
Erythromycin ointment;
Enteroseptol;
Furacelin solution;
Streptocid.

It is also very effective to use a powder made from 3 grams boric acid, 12 grams of xeroform and 8 grams of streptocide.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy in the treatment of erysipelas has an extremely positive effect, because in this case the risk of relapses is reduced.

The following procedures are used to combat the disease:

Surgical intervention

With an advanced form of erysipelas or in the presence of a bullous form, an operation can be prescribed, which is performed under general anesthesia.

In a severe form of erysipelas, the following actions are carried out:

The abscess is opened and all its contents are removed;
Then a conductor is installed to drain excess fluid;
Dead tissue is completely removed.

In the bullous form, another operation is performed:

The surgeon opens the blisters and treats them with an antiseptic;
Then a sterile bandage with Chlorhexidine is applied.

Erysipelas on the leg: treatment with folk remedies

In the initial stages of the disease, it will be effective to use traditional medicine.

Products for external use

Means for ingestion

It is necessary to mix eucalyptus leaves, nettle leaves, calamus root, licorice, cudweed, oregano and yarrow. From the resulting mixture, 10-20 grams will be separated and poured into a glass hot water, after which the infusion is kept in a dark place for 3-4 hours. A day for 4 times you need to drink a glass of this infusion;
The liquid you drink can be replaced with Silver Water, which is sold in pharmacies;
A teaspoon of dry and crushed leaves of the coltsfoot is poured into a glass of water and insisted for 2-3 hours, after which they are taken 3 times a day, 1 teaspoon;
A kilogram of celery root must be washed and passed through a meat grinder, then 3 tablespoons of a golden mustache and 1 tablespoon of honey are added to this mass, then the mixture is insisted for 10-14 days in a cool and dark place. When ready, take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.

Prevention

There are several rules, following which you can minimize the risk of erysipelas on the leg.

It is necessary to limit contact with people suffering from this disease, and after each meeting, carry out antiseptic treatment of the skin;
The appearance of erysipelas can provoke a weak immune system, so it is necessary to improve the state of health through sports, adherence to sleep and rest;
It is also desirable to avoid stressful situations;
Another precautionary measure would be the timely removal of streptococcal infection from the body;
It is necessary to carefully monitor the hygiene of the feet and avoid the appearance of minor injuries;
A violation of the state of the venous system can affect the appearance of the disease, therefore, it is necessary to carefully monitor its work and consult a doctor in suspicious situations.

Erysipelas responds well to treatment, the main thing is to start the right therapy on time and be sure to consult a doctor who can choose the right medicines.

In contact with

Erysipelas, more commonly referred to as "erysipelas", is an infectious disease that affects the subcutaneous tissue and dermis. On the face and torso, signs of the disease rarely occur.

The most common sites for symptoms to occur are the legs and arms. Bacteria are considered the main causative agent of erysipelas. Microbes spread throughout the human body and in the absence of timely treatment, there is a risk of damage to internal organs.

Causes of inflammation

Streptococcus - main reason erysipelas. This type of bacteria quickly seeps into the blood through scratches or any tissue damage. The disease can develop at an accelerated or slow pace. The main role in this case is played by the level of human immunity.

Gradually, streptococcus affects important body systems, which can lead to kidney failure, heart and vascular diseases. Erysipelas is especially dangerous for newborns.

Factors that can lead to erysipelas on the legs:

reduced immunity(a weakened body is more prone to bacterial infection);
contact with an infected person(including the use common funds hygiene);
permanent pollution of the skin(lack of hygiene, working with dusty objects);
violation of the integrity of tissues and their improper processing(scratches, bruises, abrasions);
malfunction nervous system (mental illness, constant stress, depression);
chronic alcoholism(as a result of excessive alcohol consumption, performance is impaired important systems body and weakened immunity);
sudden changes in temperature(overheating or hypothermia can be the main causes of streptococcus infection and the development of the disease);
or thrombophlebitis;
chronic somatic diseases;
obesity;
eczema (how to treat eczema on the hands, read the article);
varicose veins;
foot fungus and others fungal diseases or inclination towards them;
improper treatment of viral diseases(Erysipelas can be a complication of tonsillitis, pneumonia).

At risk of erysipelas are women over 50 or people of any age whose lives are associated with constant skin contamination or micro-traumatism.

Many of them are carriers of the disease, but they never show symptoms. With sudden changes in temperature or in the process of tanning, signs of the disease can occur unexpectedly. Heat promotes the growth of streptococcus bacteria.

Characteristic symptoms

Symptoms of erysipelas on the legs occur in several stages. First, a person's temperature rises, there is general weakness, chills or dizziness.

This condition is accompanied by vomiting, nausea, impaired stool. Such a clinical picture can be observed only at the beginning of the development of the disease or persist almost until the end of the course of treatment.

After the first symptoms, the following signs of erysipelas appear:

painful sensation on the skin;
muscle pain in the legs;
redness of skin areas (the affected area always has clear boundaries);
itching and burning in the affected area;
the reddened part of the skin swells and resembles a severe burn (the extent of the lesion can increase by 2-10 cm per day);
gradually the top layer of the skin on the affected area begins to exfoliate;
blisters appear in the area of redness (bubbles can be filled with a liquid resembling water or spotting);
the rupture of blisters on the skin is accompanied by the formation of dark crusts.

In most cases, with erysipelas of the leg, elevated body temperature persists for several days.

During this period, the patient may experience delusional and shock states, hallucinations.

Diagnosis of the disease should be carried out as quickly as possible. Other serious diseases have similar symptoms. For example, acute dermatitis, abscesses or vein thrombosis.

Traditional medicine recipes

Treatment of erysipelas on the legs folk remedies can only alleviate the patient's condition. Completely get rid of pathogenic bacteria or eliminate the risk of recurrence will not work.

When choosing non-drug methods it is necessary to pay attention to the individual intolerance of certain components.

headband with coltsfoot leaves(fresh leaves of the plant on the underside are smeared with sour cream, and then applied to the affected areas of the skin on the leg, the compress is fixed with a bandage, the bandage must be changed several times a day);
red tissue treatment(cotton cloth should be sprinkled with chalk and tied to the affected area of the skin, the bandage should be changed if necessary);
cabbage leaf compress(cabbage leaves must be crushed so that juice appears, bandage them to the leg at night);
cottage cheese compresses(ordinary cottage cheese should be applied to the affected skin in a thick layer, it is not recommended to allow the mass to dry out);
hemorrhagic tincture treatment(tincture is sold in pharmacies, before use, it must be mixed with warm water in a ratio of one to three, after which, using gauze, apply the remedy to the affected skin of the leg);
compress from pharmaceutical preparations(the site of the lesion must first be treated with hydrogen peroxide, then apply to the skin a mixture prepared on the basis of 30 g of powdered sugar, 3 g of boric acid, 12 g of xeroform and 8 g of crushed streptocide tablets);
washing with herbs(the areas of inflammation several times a day should be washed with an infusion of nettle leaves, licorice, eucalyptus, cudweed, yarrow and calamus roots, all ingredients are mixed in different proportions and poured with boiling water).

Among the traditional medicine, there are conflicting methods for the treatment of erysipelas. Some methods, according to experts, can cause serious harm to health and complicate the patient's recovery process. For example, you should not warm up your leg.

Streptococcus causes "erysipelas" precisely under the influence of temperature changes. Heating will not lead to the expected result and will cause a greater spread of inflammation.

with erysipelas of the leg do not rub any products into the affected part of the skin(you can do compresses, but massage movements or the use of force are not allowed);
there is an opinion that it is impossible to wash the affected skin, however in the absence of hygiene, complications of the disease will occur(it is necessary to wash the skin, only it must be done carefully and without the use of substances that can cause irritation);
it is not recommended to tightly bandage the affected area of \u200b\u200bthe skin(a bandage is needed only to fix the compress, otherwise the irritation on the leg will increase its scale);
if treatment is accompanied by antibiotics or other drugs, then you can not interrupt the course on your own(improper treatment can cause a relapse, and complications include "elephant legs" - a disease that disrupts not only the ability to work, but also changes the way of life);
it is not recommended to independently choose methods of treatment erysipelas on the leg (consultation with a specialist must be carried out).

Experts note that it is impossible to cure erysipelas on the legs without medication. Taking antibiotics should not exceed 10 days. Otherwise, there may be complications associated with the composition of the drugs and their effects on the body.

Traditional medicine is an addition to the course of treatment, but is not considered in a separate way struggle with "erysipelas". Contact with patients should be minimal to eliminate the risk of infection.

Disease prevention

The best way to prevent erysipelas is considered following two rules: proper hygiene and timely treatment of diseases that can cause illness.

"Erysipelas" in most cases becomes chronic. Symptoms may recur for a long time. To prevent relapse, experts prescribe antibiotics, which must be taken in a certain course.

If a person has never had erysipelas, then the best prevention is attention to one's health and basic hygiene. The shower should be taken regularly, when injuries appear on the skin, damaged areas should be treated with hydrogen peroxide and not allowed to become contaminated.

If symptoms of erysipelas appear, you should contact a medical institution and undergo treatment as soon as possible.

Erysipelas on the leg is a fairly common disease that has an infectious nature of origin. The provoking factor is group A hemolytic streptococcus, which causes intoxication of the body with external manifestations of inflammatory processes on the skin.

On a note. According to medical statistics, erysipelas of the leg in terms of frequency of manifestations ranks 4th among infectious diseases.

Causing factors that cause disease

Doctors say that the causes of erysipelas on the leg for many are associated with professional activities. For example, in men aged 20-30 years, whose work requires constant transfer of weights, is associated with construction, the use of sharp objects, the disease is diagnosed more often than others. Injured skin is quickly contaminated with construction debris, therefore, for streptococcus, optimal conditions- it penetrates and spreads rapidly.

In women, erysipelas on the leg appears more often after 40 years. In all cases, the reasons may be:

weakened immunity;
frequent colds or infectious diseases;
violation of the integrity of the skin;
allergic reactions to staphylococcal infection;
abrupt and frequent shifts temperature regime indoors or at work;
previous injuries or severe bruises;
sunburn;
frequent stress, depression, constant psycho-emotional overload;
diabetes;
obesity;
trophic ulcers;
foot fungus;
alcohol abuse.

It is important to know! Erysipelas can also occur in children. The most common cause is stress or sunburn that was treated incorrectly.

information to read

Clinical picture of the disease

Symptoms of erysipelas of the leg are directly related to the type of disease. To date, doctors classify the disease depending on:

The severity of symptoms:

light;
moderate;
heavy.

From the frequency of manifestations:

primary;
recurrent;
secondary.

From the area of lesions:

wandering;
localized;
common.

If an erysipelas on a person’s leg appears for the first time, then on the first day after the activation of streptococcus in the body:

For no apparent reason, the body temperature rises to 40 degrees.
There is severe muscle pain and headache.
There is marked weakness.
In case of severe intoxication, there may be nausea, vomiting, convulsions and confusion.

A day later, the symptoms of erysipelas on the leg are supplemented by burning, bursting, redness of the skin. The skin in the affected areas becomes hot, swelling appears.

The disease itself got its name because of the external manifestations on the skin. A bright red color appears on the lower limb, the focus looks like a flame, has clear edges.

The acute phase of the course takes from 5 to 15 days, after which the inflammation subsides, and signs of peeling remain on the surface of the skin.

If the disease is severe, then after exfoliation of the skin, the affected areas are filled with serous or hemorrhagic contents.

Given that the disease can be recurrent in nature, the symptoms and treatment of erysipelas on the leg cannot be ignored in order to avoid consequences.

Remember! Erysipelatous disease is contagious and can be transmitted through the household.

Treatment Options

Symptoms of erysipelas of the leg and treatment are always closely related. Doctors, during a visual examination and laboratory tests, determine the severity of the disease and choose best option treatment.

In the case of a mild course or recurrence, the treatment of erysipelas on the leg can occur on an outpatient basis, if the disease has become severe or advanced, the doctor will definitely suggest hospitalization.

First of all, regardless of the form and course, the doctor will recommend which antibiotics to take for erysipelas of the leg. Drugs can be administered orally or intramuscularly. The most effective and effective in the fight against streptococcus remain drugs of the penicillin group (Amoxicillin, Ospamox). Furazolidone, Erythromycin can be combined with them to enhance the effect.

Treatment of symptoms of erysipelas of the leg with ointment has its own characteristics. It should be applied only to the prepared area of the skin. It is recommended to pre-treat with a solution of furacilin, which will help to avoid secondary infection and the addition of an additional infection.

To help the body resist the disease on its own, it is necessary to treat with immunostimulants. These can be vitamin complexes or biostimulants that provide rapid wound healing and recovery of the body after severe intoxication. To strengthen the nerve endings in the affected limb, B vitamins are prescribed.

If the patient rises heat, inflammatory processes on the skin begin, it is recommended to use antipyretics ( Aspirin, Ibuprofen), anti-inflammatory ( "Baralgin", "Reopirin", "Diclofenac").

If the signs of intoxication of the body are pronounced and do not disappear for a long time, then the patient is injected intravenously with a glucose solution, drinking plenty of water and diuretics is recommended.

In case of frequent relapses, treatment may be supplemented hormone therapy With " Prednisone."

Remember! Erysipelatous disease requires a lot of time for a complete cure, while therapy should be aimed not only at recovery, but also at preventing serious complications.

In addition to drug treatment of erysipelas of the leg, the following procedures are prescribed:

ultraviolet irradiation;
weak discharges of current;
high frequency current;
laser therapy.

If the lymph flow is disturbed in the limb, then it is recommended to carry out:

ozocerite;
magnetotherapy;
electrophoresis with "Lidase".

The use of these methods avoids the development of elephantiasis of the affected limb.

When severe course disease or a high likelihood of complications, surgery may be used. The doctor performs an autopsy of watery vesicles and removes the accumulated fluid to the outside. After that, the resulting wounds are treated with an antiseptic. After surgery, an ointment with an antibiotic and analgesic effect can be applied until the wounds are completely healed.

The operation is extreme method prescribed by the doctor

Home treatment options

How to treat erysipelas of the leg at home? First you need to consult a doctor and determine the severity of the disease.

Remember! The use of traditional medicine recipes is possible only after agreement with the attending physician!

Among the most popular and effective recipes distinguish the following:

A decoction of bloodworm. It is made from 100 grams of water and 1 tablespoon of grass, previously crushed. The grass is poured with water, boiled for 10 minutes and cooled to room temperature. In a decoction, gauze is moistened and applied to the affected areas of the skin. Such a compress helps to quickly get rid of redness, relieves severe itching, burning. For treatment, doctors can recommend not only a decoction of this herb, but also alcohol tincture for the treatment of wounds.
Those who often suffer from recurrences of erysipelas of the leg can be treated with cottage cheese. It is applied in a thin layer on the affected area and removed immediately when it dries. Such procedures will avoid visible marks on the skin after recovery, improve skin regeneration, and enhance metabolic processes in cells. Homemade cottage cheese contains a large amount nutrients, therefore, saturates the skin and body with vitamins and microelements.
Black root compresses. This plant is sold in dry form in all pharmacies. Before preparing the compress, the root must be thoroughly crushed to a homogeneous mass and mixed with water. The finished gruel is applied to gauze and applied to damaged areas of the skin. Such a compress helps to reduce body temperature in places of inflammation, removes swelling, pain.
Chamomile and yarrow ointment can be used to reduce inflammation and pain in erysipelas. For its preparation, the juice of these herbs is taken (1 teaspoon) and 4 teaspoons butter. When the ointment is ready, it is applied in a thin layer to the affected area until completely absorbed.

Remember! Chamomile and yarrow ointment avoids frequent relapses and speeds up recovery.

Good for celery disease. It is passed through a meat grinder until a homogeneous slurry is formed. It is laid out on a cotton napkin and attached to the leg. Cabbage has the same effect.. Keep the compress on the affected leg for no more than 30 minutes.

Bean powder can be used as an aid for redness and pain relief. With the help of food processors or coffee grinders, the bean grains are crushed, and the limb is sprinkled with the resulting powder. Keep this powder for no more than 30 minutes.
Many believe that erysipelas can be cured with chalk and red cloth. It is the last attribute that is required. A layer of crushed chalk is applied to the red cloth and fixed on the affected area for the whole night. By morning, redness and swelling will decrease on the leg, and the temperature of the limb will decrease.

What threatens ignoring the disease?

Medical practice has proven that ignoring proper medical care can lead to serious complications. Among the common complications, doctors distinguish the following:

kidney disease;
pathology of the cardiovascular system.

Among the locals:

the formation of ulcers;
necrotic processes of the affected areas;
abscesses;
thrombophlebitis;
sepsis;
elephantiasis of the affected limb.

Remember! Any of these diseases can pose a serious threat to health and lead to disability.

Prevention of erysipelas on the leg

Taking care of your health and the condition of your skin is the responsibility of every person!

Prevention of the development of erysipelas is possible if the treatment of inflammatory processes is carried out in a timely manner, and the factors that will contribute to the appearance of the disease are eliminated. It is extremely important to carry out timely therapy of diabetes mellitus, disorders of the vascular system in lower limbs, fungal infections of the foot.

Unfortunately, erysipelas is characterized by frequent relapses. If the disease manifests itself more often than 2 times a year, then doctors are already talking about the presence of a chronic form. To avoid frequent relapses, you must adhere to the following rules:

Avoid hypothermia, sudden temperature changes in the room or at work.
Timely respond to the onset of the inflammatory process.

Remember! Starting the treatment of inflammation of the skin, you can initial stage block the spread of the disease!

At the slightest suspicion of a fungal infection of the foot, immediately contact a dermatologist to select the necessary medication.
Daily wash feet, body, observe personal hygiene.
Constantly strengthen the immune system, play sports, walk in the fresh air.
Follow a personalized treatment and recovery plan that your doctor will recommend.
Use long-acting drugs that prevent the activation and reproduction of streptococcus in the body. These medications can only be taken with a doctor's prescription. The course can vary from several months to a year.

Erysipelatous inflammation of the leg is a fairly common disease that has bright and unpleasant symptoms. To avoid the development of the disease, you need to systematically monitor your health, engage in spores, eat right and not self-medicate. A consultation with a doctor will always help to avoid the development of serious complications and health problems.