Erysipelas Prevention And Treatment Tips

Erysipelas is a skin infection often confused with cellulitis that affects the upper layers of the skin. Erysipelas is usually caused by the same streptococcus bacterium that causes strep throat. The bacteria are normally present on the surface of the skin, but can penetrate the skin through cuts, sores, or any damage that breaks the skin. The face, arms, and legs are most often affected, but it can affect any part of the body. The skin in the affected area may appear red, shiny, swollen, and feel warm and tender to the touch. Other common symptoms include fever, chills, blisters, and sharp edges around the infected skin. Infants, children and the elderly are more commonly affected, and other risk factors include diabetes, obesity, or certain skin conditions. Complications include gangrene or blood poisoning. Learn how to prevent and treat erysipelas now.

Treat Athlete's Foot And Eczema Promptly

Conditions like eczema and athlete's foot can contribute to outbreaks of erysipelas, which is why treating both conditions promptly can help prevent erysipelas. These conditions can cause breaks in the skin, which can increase an individual's susceptibility to infection. Eczema increases the risk of developing erysipelas because the bacteria that causes it thrives on damaged or broken skin. Eczema patients frequently sustain damage to their skin from scratching, and their skin is often inflamed, cracked, or blistered.

Athlete's foot is another condition that should be treated timely and properly to prevent episodes of bacterial infection. Severe athlete's foot can cause the skin to be more vulnerable to bacteria because of conditions like open sores on the skin. Untreated athlete's foot can spread and bring about blisters, cracks, and rashes. The affected areas may also become very itchy and lead to scratching, which can cause breaks in the skin.

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Keep Wounds Clean

Any opening in the outer barrier of the skin can increase an individual's risk of the streptococcus bacteria entering their body. These bacteria live on the skin and various other surfaces individuals come in contact with on a frequent basis. For this reason, it's imperative to keep wounds clean and covered. Many different kinds of injuries and conditions can damage the skin, such as cuts, insect or animal bites, ulcers, surgical incisions, and bed sores. Many of these minor injuries can be treated at home fairly easily, such as washing with soap and water before covering with a bandage. An antibiotic ointment may be applied to certain wounds to keep them germ-free throughout the healing process. Individuals should seek medical attention if the wound is not healing properly or becomes red or inflamed. Serious wounds or injuries should be treated by a medical professional promptly.

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Avoid Scratching

Breaks in the skin barrier enable the bacteria that causes erysipelas to penetrate this protective layer and cause infection. Thus, individuals should avoid scratching as much as possible to help keep the skin barrier intact. This may be difficult with certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, both of which can cause intense itching. A myriad of other conditions can make the skin very itchy, including insect bites, dermatitis, chicken pox, fungal infections, allergic reactions, parasites, or certain medications. Conditions caused by the nervous system or mental illnesses an also cause itchy skin. Individuals can avoid scratching by treating the condition causing itchy skin or wearing gloves if they're unable to stop scratching, especially at night. Keeping nails trimmed can also be helpful.

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Moisturize The Skin

Many may not realize this, but moisturizing the skin can go a long way in preventing outbreaks of erysipelas. Dry skin is more likely to crack and allow bacteria to penetrate the skin. Itchy skin can also lead to dryness and scratching, which can result in abrasions. Thus, individuals should moisturize their skin to keep it hydrated and reduce the risk of cracking. Keeping the skin moisturized during winter months is especially important because the cold, dry air sucks the moisture out of the skin and leaves it dry and itchy. Regular moisturizing should be performed to maintain good skin condition, especially if patients have a condition that causes dryness and itchiness.

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Use Of Antibiotics

The use of antibiotics is the most common method of treatment for erysipelas. Penicillin is typically used, though other options include cephalexin or erythromycin. The course of treatment can be anywhere from seven to fourteen days. Mild cases are usually treatable at home with oral antibiotics. Severe cases or those involving young children or older adults may require intravenous administration in a hospital. Over-the-counter drugs can relieve fever and discomfort. Other drugs are available in cases where the condition doesn’t respond to antibiotics. The affected area may peel during the healing process, and it may take two to three weeks for the skin to appear normal. Continued episodes of erysipelas may require long-term, preventive treatment.