Skin conditions such as erysipelas (erysipelas) can sometimes be very unpleasant. Erysipelas is a skin disease that can not only cause pain, but is also characterized by its external appearance.
Here you will find further information and selected doctors for the diagnosis and treatment of erysipelas.
Erysipelas is a bacterial skin infection. It usually affects the upper layers of the skin and the lymphatic ducts. Typical areas where erysipelas can occur are the face and lower legs. In principle, however, this skin disease can occur anywhere.
Erysipelas is colloquially known as erysipelas erysipelas. This name comes from the external signs of the disease: There is redness and sometimes severe swelling in the affected area.
The inflammation spreads around the entry point of the pathogen in question. The name erysipelas , which is also used colloquially, refers to the fact that this spread can visually resemble the bloom of a rose.
In some cases, erysipelas is characterized not only by redness and swelling of the skin, but also by blisters and pustules.
It is a bacterial infection that is usually caused by streptococci. The smallest wounds in the skin are sufficient for these to gain access to the body. These need not be visible externally if they are very small.
For example, an otherwise harmless athlete's foot infection can provide a gateway for these bacteria. It can then spread into the deeper layers of the skin and the lymphatic system. The inflammation of the skin is ultimately a defense reaction of the body, which wants to fight the invading bacteria.
It is not only minor skin injuries that pose a risk of developing erysipelas. Anyone suffering from
also belong to the risk group. Patients who have problems with their immune system are also at risk. The same applies to smokers.
Skin redness and swelling are characteristic features of erysipelas. However, the actual inflammation begins earlier. The affected person may feel weak and exhausted. The general malaise may also be accompanied by fever and chills.
As a rule, the external signs only appear a few days later. An inflammation spreads around the entry point of the bacteria. The typical reddening and swelling of the skin then occurs.
The inflammation can also lead to
can occur.
Erysipelas on the leg © GordonGrand | AdobeStock
A medical examination is important in order to assess how serious the condition is. This also allows other diseases to be ruled out and the right treatment to be initiated. The pathogens are often undetectable, but a trained doctor will be able to recognize erysipelas based on its external appearance.
Antibiotics are the treatment of choice for erysipelas. If the patient is in poor health, the antibiotics can also be administered intravenously. Otherwise, they are administered in tablet form (medically: orally). Penicillin is often given to combat streptococci. If this antibiotic is not tolerated (most frequently due to a penicillin allergy), clindacymin or erythromycin can be given as an alternative.
In addition, the patient must of course take it easy. Bed rest is recommended in many cases where the findings are very pronounced. However, care should be taken to prevent thrombosis (abdominal injections).
If the erysipelas is located on the lower leg, it may be helpful to elevate the affected leg. This improves lymphatic drainage and swelling can be reduced more easily. Cooling wet dressings with disinfectant liquids are also often helpful. On the one hand, they alleviate the symptoms, lead to a reduction in swelling and inflammation and a reduction in the number of germs.
If there is pain, appropriate medication can be given to make the course of the disease a little more bearable. Compression therapy or blood thinners are also indicated as supportive measures, especially if mobility is restricted.
Important: The cause of erysipelas must always be investigated. If, for example, there are skin diseases or other chronic complaints, these should be treated at the same time to prevent the risk of recurrence (recurrence of erysipelas).
Although erysipelas sometimes resolves on its own, in the worst case it can lead to serious complications.
Lymphatic ducts can become blocked, which can lead to lymphoedema as the fluid no longer drains properly. Elephantiasis, which can be regarded as the final stage of lymphoedema, is also possible. This results in massive soft tissue swelling, which in the case of elephantiasis is usually permanent (irreversible) and can no longer be reversed.
Further complications of untreated or inadequately treated erysipelas are
Surgical intervention is extremely rare in the case of erysipelas. Ultimately, it may be indicated if larger accumulations of pus form that need to be relieved. Otherwise, the pathogens may spread, particularly via the bloodstream in the form of blood poisoning. This complication is extremely serious and can be fatal.
In individual cases, considerable tension in the tissue within the muscle sheaths (fascia) can also lead to the fascia having to be opened in order to prevent tissue loss. However, this complication is also a rarity and is generally not necessary.
The loss of a limb as a result of erysipelas is an absolute rarity and the risk only really exists if other serious illnesses are present.
For example, advanced peripheral arterial occlusive disease, which typically leads to narrowing or occlusion of the arteries in the leg and thus to circulatory disorders in the tissues, may initially be noticeable due to erysipelas.
If this bleeding disorder cannot be eliminated or the tissue defects are already too advanced, amputation may be indicated in extreme cases. However, this is very rare and is not caused by the inflammation of the tissue, but mainly by the vascular disease.
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