Is erysipelas treatable? How to treat erysipelas at home

Erysipelas on the leg - very dangerous disease. The name itself, if you translate the word from French, means “red”. And not in vain, because the process is always accompanied by hyperemia - redness of the skin at the site of the lesion.

Without receiving qualified medical assistance, a person risks serious complications. Especially when counting on treatment folk remedies and completely aggravate the situation, letting it get out of control.

What kind of disease is this?

What is erysipelas on the leg? This is a manifestation of infection in the form of inflammation of the skin. Often the pathology manifests itself precisely on lower limbs. This can be explained by the fact that the feet are closer to the ground, and their contact with dirt and dust is simply inevitable. The culprit of erysipelas is streptococcus, which comes from the external environment.

The disease of erysipelas on the leg is quite specific. It is a known fact that older women are more likely to get sick, but among young people, on the contrary, the disease actively affects men.

Often this disease is transmitted by elderly people and those who spend a long time on the street or in unsanitary working conditions, which leads to frequent long-term contact with dust, dirt and infectious agents.

Causes of the disease

The culprit of erysipelas on the leg is a streptococcal infection. Its initial pathogen is streptococcus. He himself enters the body through the “gate”, namely:

bites of various insects from the environment;
any kind of scratching;
injuries, burns.

To all of the above, it is worth adding that the disease can appear as a result of very old streptococcal infection(tonsillitis, advanced caries).

Bacteria from their main location, along with the blood, begin to “walk” along the walls of the body. This way they create problems throughout the body, including dermatological diseases. Strong immunity is an enemy to pathology, but if for some reason it has become weaker, the consequences can be unpleasant.

Besides weak immunity There are many other reasons that can affect the development of erysipelas:

stress and anxiety;
constant hypothermia of the legs;
strong tan;
alcoholism;
ulcers;
varicose veins;
thrombophlebitis.

Erysipelas on the leg: is it contagious?

The disease itself is a type of infectious disease, and can be fully included in the list of contagious diseases. The infection is easily transmitted from person to person. Therefore, if possible, it is still worth avoiding contact with infected person. If the patient lives in the same house with you, it is necessary to treat wounds with sterile gloves and after each procedure, thoroughly wash your hands with detergent, or better yet, with an antiseptic.

Symptoms

The disease has a long incubation period– about 10 days. After this time is completed, the erysipelas on the leg begins to show its symptoms.

As a rule, at the first stage it is felt in the form of a general malaise:

headache;
fatigue and muscle pain;
elevated temperature;
sometimes vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and even sometimes anorexia are possible.

This is what a erysipelas on a leg looks like. After the first signs, after a day (no later), burning, pain, tension are added, the affected area begins to redden and swell.

Types and forms of erysipelas on the leg

The forms of inflammation of the legs are distributed according to the nature of local changes:

Erythematous form– the affected area begins to turn red. In this case, the erythema that has just appeared will be higher than the skin itself. It has clearly defined boundaries. Its main difference is irregular shape edges and very bright, even coloring.
Erythematous-bullous form– initially looks the same as the first form, although after a couple of days the skin in the area gradually peels off. In parallel with this, bubbles form. Those, in turn, are filled with liquid without color. When blisters explode, their place is taken brown crusts. With timely medical care, as soon as the crusts begin to fall off, pink, youthful skin forms in their place. But if help is not provided on time, the depressions under the crusts will gradually turn into trophic ulcers.
Erythematous-hemorrhagic form– it looks almost the same as in the form described above, however, hemorrhage may occur in the affected areas.
Bullous-hemorrhagic form– outwardly it is very similar to the erythematous-bullous form. The only difference is that the blisters on the skin do not fill clear liquid, but with blood.

Erysipelas is a dangerous infectious disease that affects the skin and the tissue located underneath it. The disease does not go away on its own and requires mandatory medical intervention and treatment.

Causes

Inflammatory processes can occur at any age. This rapidly spreading disease is caused by streptococci. For the development of erysipelas on the leg, it is not enough for microorganisms to enter the skin, because not everyone who gets streptococcus develops the disease. For the appearance of this disease, a number of factors are necessary that promote reproduction:

Mechanical damage:

scratches;
abrasions;
burns;
frostbite;
abrasions;
cuts.

Condition of the body leading to decreased immunity:

stress;
hypothermia;
overwork.

Diseases that increase the body's susceptibility to infections:

alcoholism;
diabetes;
obesity;
trophic ulcers;
diaper rash;
fungus;
phlebeurysm;
lymphatic edema.

The risk of developing erysipelas on the leg increases among representatives of certain professions. For loaders, military, builders there is increased danger for the occurrence and development of streptococcus in the skin due to the frequent likelihood of skin damage, pollution and sudden changes in temperature.

Symptoms of the disease

Distinguish different symptoms diseases erysipelas on the leg. Erysipelas, if it occurs in mild form– erythematous, often limited to only local manifestations: redness, swelling and soreness of the skin area. The peculiarity of this inflammation is its bright red color and clear boundaries of the inflammatory focus. In shape it resembles flames.

More complex shape– erythematous-bullous. In this case, on the first or third day of the disease, bubbles with clear liquid form at the site of the disease. They burst, forming crusts. Favorable treatment leads to healing and the formation of young skin after it falls off. Otherwise, ulcers or erosions may form.

If antibodies damage the capillary vessels that arise to fight streptococcus, hemorrhage forms inside the affected skin. This form of the disease is called erythematous-hemorrhagic.

In the most severe cases, the lesion becomes covered with blisters into which blood seeps. This form is bullous-hemorrhagic.

In addition to the occurrence of a focus of the disease, the patient experiences the following symptoms:

weakness;
increased body temperature;
chills;
headache and muscle pain;
nausea or vomiting;
possible tachycardia.

These signs are common for an organism that has been intoxicated. Before an obvious focus of the disease appears, swelling and redness form on the leg. At the site of inflammation, pain, skin tension and burning are felt.

Drug treatment

How to cure erysipelas on the leg? Before starting treatment for the disease, consultation with a doctor is required. Otherwise, complications may occur. A severe form of the disease necessarily causes hospitalization. The patient is subject to inpatient treatment, If:

the disease is accompanied by diabetes mellitus, allergic reactions, kidney, heart or vascular diseases, lymph circulation disorders;
erysipelas occurred in a child or an elderly person;
ulcers or rough scars have appeared on the skin;
the disease manifests itself repeatedly, regardless of the form of its course;
erysipelas caused any kind of complication.

Treatment of erysipelas on the leg is necessarily accompanied by antibiotics. To maximize their effect, the doctor must first find out the most effective of them in each specific case. For this purpose, an anamnesis must be collected. Of all the groups of antibiotics, the most commonly used are:

sulfonamides;
macrolides;
tetracyclines;
penicillins.

Treatment is also necessarily accompanied by other means:

Ascorbic acid or ascorutin;
Nicotinic acid and vitamins A and B;
Biostimulants;
Drugs that enhance immunity;
Physiotherapy and cryotherapy.

Treatment with folk remedies

A mild form of erysipelas on the leg is completely curable at home under the supervision of a doctor. Besides medicines Treatment with traditional methods is also acceptable. As a rule, these are various compresses. It will lead to relief from erysipelas next procedure. Moisten a cloth in cool water (about 22 degrees) and wrap it around your leg on the affected area. Another piece of cloth is placed on top, which must be moistened in water cooled to 16 degrees. After this, the leg is wrapped in dry woolen cloth. After heating, usually after a quarter of an hour, the bandage must be changed.

Many remedies are used to treat erysipelas. Among them are chalk, rye flour, branches and leaves of currants and elderberries, cabbage leaves, cottage cheese and even frog caviar. When using any traditional methods, consultation with a doctor is required. As a result improper treatment possible dangerous complications which can lead to serious consequences and even death.

Some people prefer prayers for erysipelas on the leg. This is not the most the right way, in case of illness, consultation with a specialist is mandatory.

Danger of infection

If you get sick, you should remember that erysipelas on the leg is contagious to others. The disease can be transmitted by airborne droplets, through touch or household objects. Therefore, the patient should be in isolation.

Prevention of the disease

To prevent the appearance of erysipelas on the legs, and especially if you are predisposed to the disease, you should follow simple rules:

the wound and any damage to the skin must be disinfected and dirt must not be allowed to enter;
avoid the formation of calluses with uncomfortable shoes;
if a skin disease occurs, begin treatment immediately;
avoid sudden changes in temperature conditions;
be observed by a doctor after suffering from erysipelas for two years.

At the first signs of illness, you should immediately seek help medical care. Timely treatment will prevent the formation of severe forms of the disease and will not cause difficulties. Treatment of wounds and any skin lesions - great way prevent the occurrence of the disease.

Candidate of Biological Sciences, certified medical specialist on the treatment of erysipelas using traditional methods:

Skin is the outer covering human body with an area of about 1.6 m2, performing several important tasks: mechanical protection tissues and organs, tactile sensitivity (touch), thermoregulation, gas exchange and metabolism, protecting the body from the penetration of microbes.

But sometimes the skin itself becomes the target 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 commonly, mucous membranes) of infectious origin, usually affecting the face or legs.

Erysipelas causes beta-hemolytic group streptococcus A when it penetrates into the thickness of the skin through small abrasions, cuts, insect bites, scratches, and 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 poses a mortal danger (photo 3).

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

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus

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

Sore throats, pharyngitis, laryngitis, scarlet fever, rheumatism, severe damage to kidney tissue are far from full list 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 opportunistic microflora, because it is present in almost all people in the oral cavity, respiratory tract, on the skin and external genitalia. Good immunity limits its virulence (degree of infectiousness).

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

Streptococci survive freezing and heating to 70° for 2 hours; in dried biomaterial (blood, pus) they remain highly infectious for several months. Toxins cause serious illnesses heart and kidneys.

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

Causes of erysipelas of the legs

The cause of erysipelas of the legs can be small ulcers, 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 to the skin.

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

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

Stressful situations that sharply reduce immunity can give rise to an attack by streptococcus on its carrier.

Chronic foci of infection in the form of decayed teeth and enlarged tonsils increase the risk of erysipelas on any part of the body by 5-6 times.

Symptoms of erysipelas of the leg, photo

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

Signs of intoxication suddenly appear:

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

Within 24 hours, symptoms of erysipelas appear on the lower leg: the affected area swells sharply, becomes shiny from tension and becomes red. The name “erysipelas” comes from the word “red” in some European languages.

The inflamed area is delimited from healthy skin demarcation roller. It is characterized by uneven scalloped outlines along the perimeter of the lesion. Severe redness of the skin is caused by hemolysis - the process of destruction of red blood cells (erythrocytes) by streptococcus.

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

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

Diagnosis of erysipelas

Often the diagnosis is made without tests, based on a combination of general and local symptoms.

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

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

Forms of erysipelas of the leg

Based on the nature of local changes, the following are distinguished:

1. Erythematous form- the area 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 separate with the formation of blisters.

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

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

5. Gangrenous form with areas of skin necrosis.

Stands out wandering form, when within a few days the lesion moves to a neighboring area, and the primary lesion peels off and heals.

This form is typical for newborn children; if erysipelas spreads quickly, children can die.

According to the severity of the disease, they are distinguished:

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

Even after healing, the inflamed area of the skin remains sensitive to streptococcal infection, which gives rise to the diagnosis of “recurrent” and “recurrent” erysipelas.

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

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

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

2) Their effect is enhanced by sulfonamide drugs (Biseptol).

3) Vitamins and biostimulants (levamisole, pentoxyl, methyluracil) must be prescribed to restore immunity and speed up healing of the lesion.

4) Prescribed as anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs non-steroidal drugs: aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, baralgin, reopirin.

5) In case of severe intoxication, glucose solution or reopirin is repeatedly administered.

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

7) Physiotherapeutic procedures:

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

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

8) Sensitization of the body is prevented by taking antihistamines.

9) Sclerotherapy - injection of a substance into the affected veins, causing narrowing and resorption of the vessel - promotes fast healing blisters and 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 debridement lesion:

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

12) In severe cases, blood or plasma transfusions are performed.

Treatment of erysipelas of the leg is carried out by a doctor. To avoid complications, the patient must strictly follow all medical prescriptions, even during outpatient treatment.

When treating erysipelas at home It is important to know:

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

2) Do not use and - they increase the flow 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 erosions with hydrogen peroxide and dry the skin under them with powder, which includes:

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

Cover the wound surface with two layers of gauze on top.

Complications of erysipelas

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

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

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

Streptococcal toxins cause rheumatism, myocarditis and glomerulonephritis.

Local complications are phlegmon and abscesses, trophic ulcers and lymphostasis (elephantiasis), in which the volume of limb tissue sharply increases 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 makes the patient’s life very difficult.

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 added to GABHS.

Due to acquired lymphostasis, ability to work may be reduced.

In general, the prognosis for the patient’s life is favorable if complications are avoided.

Prevention of erysipelas

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

limit contact with patients with erysipelas, after contact, carry out antiseptic treatment of your skin;
take care of strengthening the immune system by establishing a daily routine, exercising, avoiding stressful situations;
timely eliminate foci of chronic streptococcal infection, monitor health status;
get things right healthy eating- hemolytic streptococcus multiplies quickly in stale food, giving particular preference to meat broths;
To avoid relapses after erysipelas, carry out preventive injections of bicillin year-round.

Local measures:

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

Erysipelas ICD 10

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

Class I
- A30 - A49 Other bacterial diseases

A46 Erysipelas (Erysipelas)

Erysipelas is one of the most common infectious diseases that affects the skin. The disease, which is popularly called erysipelas, can appear on any part of the body, including the limbs, and more often the legs.

The disease is more common in older women and middle-aged men, as well as newborn babies. At risk are people in blue-collar jobs who receive micro-injuries and contamination during their work, such as storekeepers, loaders, and builders.

It should be noted that the disease also sometimes occurs in newborns. This is due to the introduction of streptococcus into the child’s umbilical wound.

The causative agent of erysipelas is streptococcus, which penetrates the skin through damage in the form of wounds, scratches, and microtraumas. According to statistics, 15% of the world's population are carriers of the infection, however, people often do not know about the presence of bacteria in the body, since it does not manifest itself in any way.

In order for an infection living in the human body for a long time to manifest itself, a trigger factor is necessary. This could be stress, emotional turmoil, hypothermia, injury, sunburn. The disease also often develops on the basis of a pre-existing illness, such as alcoholism, varicose veins veins, diabetes, obesity or foot fungus.

Symptoms of erysipelas of the leg

The first signs of infection development resemble ordinary viral disease, however, after a little time the disease manifests itself fully.

Main symptoms:

general weakness, chills and muscle pain; increase in body temperature, up to 400C; on the background high temperature hallucinations or seizures may occur; possible nausea, vomiting; After about a day, local manifestations are observed in the form of swelling, redness, and pain in the affected area of the skin.

A person’s condition in the acute phase of inflammation is so severe that one should seek qualified medical help. If the disease is not eliminated in time, complications may arise in the form of skin ulcers, tissue necrosis, problems with the cardiovascular or reproductive systems.

Classification of erysipelas of the legs

Local manifestations of the disease may be different. Depending on their nature, the following types are distinguished:

if the skin is covered with bright red erythema (growth), which has clear boundaries, then this indicates an erythematous form. Subsequently, the newly formed crust may begin to peel off. The erythematous-bullous form of the disease proceeds similarly to the process described above. However, after a day or a little more in the area affected by the infection, upper layer The skin peels off and forms a bubble with a clear liquid, which subsequently bursts. If subsequent healing is successful, new skin will result. Otherwise, erosion may occur. if, by analogy with the erythematous-bullous form, the resulting bubble is filled with bloody contents, then this indicates the presence of a bullous-hemorrhagic form. The erythematous-hemorrhagic form is similar to a large bruise, which is the result of hemorrhage from the resulting erythema into the subcutaneous layers.

At the first signs of illness, you should consult a doctor who will prescribe necessary treatment to stop the development of the inflammatory process.

Diagnostics

Since the symptoms of erysipelas can often resemble other diseases, such as scleroderma, thrombophlebitis, systemic lupus erythematosus and others, diagnosis is of great importance. And only an experienced specialist will be able to establish a diagnosis based on a thorough questioning of the patient and the presence characteristic symptoms. A set of laboratory tests can also be performed.

Treatment of erysipelas or erysipelas

Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis or (in most cases) inpatiently with hospitalization in an infectious diseases hospital.

To suppress erysipelas of the legs, antibiotics are necessarily used, which can be taken in the form of tablets or injections. This may be erythromycin, furazolidol or others. The course of antibiotic treatment can last from 7 to 10 days. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed. Also, since the disease is directly related to decreased immunity, a complex of vitamins is prescribed. In addition to the internal fight against the disease, an ointment containing an antibiotic, as well as treating the affected area of skin with furatsilin, will be highly effective. Apply different kinds physiotherapy, such as exposure to ultraviolet radiation or high-frequency currents, as well as laser therapy. In severe cases, treatment is prescribed comprehensively, taking into account medications that support the functioning of the heart, kidneys and other internal organs.

Treatment of erysipelas of the legs at home with folk remedies

Treatment of erysipelas with traditional methods is a unique case when official medicine recognizes their effectiveness, as well as the effectiveness of conspiracies. So there are several different ways treatment of erysipelas using alternative medicine:

Chalk is included in a lot of recipes to combat the disease. So chalk in a pure powdery state is applied to the damaged area. The leg is covered with red woolen cloth, which is secured with a bandage. The chalk is changed once a day. After 5 days the inflammation will go away. Honey has long been famous for its healing and antimicrobial properties. It has also found application in the treatment of erysipelas. Silk fabric or pieces thereof are soaked in healing product beekeeping, after which they are applied to the affected area on the leg and wrapped with bandages. One compress should be applied for three days. A dry mixture prepared from sage leaves and chalk powder is also applied to the sore leg. The components are taken in equal parts and applied to calico fabric, which is subsequently used to cover the leg. The mixture is changed four times a day. Lotions made from infusion of Datura herb effectively relieve inflammation. To do this, boil two tablespoons of herbs and leave for half an hour, after which the infusion is filtered. The resulting decoction is mixed with boiled cold water in equal proportions, after which gauze, folded in several rows, is soaked in the solution and applied to the inflamed area.

Relapses of erysipelas occur in every tenth patient. As a rule, this happens in the first three years after the illness. Moreover, the place of “dislocation” of the erysipelas can change. Moreover, statistics say that recurrent disease is more common in women than in men. To prevent relapses, you should follow the rules of personal hygiene and promptly treat skin diseases(fungi and ulcer inflammation) avoid diaper rash and sunburn.

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Skin is the outer covering 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 target of attack by microorganisms - then dermatological diseases develop, among which is erysipelas.

Erysipelas (erysipelas) - what is it?

Erysipelas of the lower leg, photo 1

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

Erysipelas is caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus when it penetrates the skin through small abrasions, cuts, insect bites, scratches, and 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 poses a mortal danger (photo 3).

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

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus

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

Sore throats, 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 opportunistic 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 infectiousness).

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

Streptococci survive freezing and heating to 70° for 2 hours; in dried biomaterial (blood, pus) they remain highly infectious for several months. Toxins cause severe heart and kidney diseases.

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

Causes of erysipelas of the legs

Manifestations of erysipelas on the feet, photo 2

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

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

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

Stressful situations that sharply reduce immunity can give rise to an attack by streptococcus on its carrier.

Chronic foci of infection in the form of decayed teeth and enlarged tonsils increase the risk of erysipelas on any part of the body by 5-6 times.

Symptoms of erysipelas of the leg, photo

Erysipelas in children, photo 3

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

Signs of intoxication suddenly appear:

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

The inflamed area is delimited from healthy skin by a demarcation roller. It is characterized by uneven scalloped outlines along the perimeter of the lesion. Severe redness of the skin is caused by hemolysis - the process of destruction of red blood cells (erythrocytes) by streptococcus.

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

Pain and burning cause severe suffering to the patient. The popliteal and inguinal lymph nodes become inflamed. Toward 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, based on a combination of general and local symptoms.

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

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

Forms of erysipelas of the leg

Based on the nature of local changes, the following are distinguished:

1. Erythematous form- the area 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 separate 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. They heal with the formation of a crust, under which smooth skin is formed.

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

5. Gangrenous form with areas of skin necrosis.

Stands out wandering form, when within a few days the lesion moves to a neighboring area, and the primary lesion peels off and heals.

This form is typical for newborn children; if erysipelas spreads quickly, children can die.

According to the severity of the disease, they are distinguished:

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

Even after healing, the inflamed area of the skin remains sensitive to streptococcal infection, which gives rise to the diagnosis of “recurrent” and “recurrent” erysipelas.

Treatment of erysipelas of the leg

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

1) The first and main purpose 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 effect is enhanced by sulfonamide drugs (Biseptol).

3) Vitamins and biostimulants (levamisole, pentoxyl, methyluracil) must be prescribed to restore immunity and speed up healing of the lesion.

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 reopirin is repeatedly administered.

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, magnetic therapy.

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

Surgical treatment of erysipelas, photo 7

Sensitization of the body is prevented by taking antihistamines.

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

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 furacillin solution, enteroseptol in the form of powder, erythromycin ointment; cutting out inflamed veins and necrotic areas.

12) In severe cases, blood or plasma transfusions are performed.

Treatment of erysipelas of the leg is carried out by a doctor. To avoid complications, the patient must strictly follow all medical prescriptions, even during outpatient treatment.

When treating erysipelas at home It is important to know:

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

2) Cannot be used ichthyol ointment and Vishnevsky balm - they increase the flow 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 erosions with hydrogen peroxide and dry the skin under them with powder, which includes:

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

Cover the wound surface with two layers of gauze on top.

Complications of erysipelas

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

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

Streptococcal toxins cause rheumatism, myocarditis and glomerulonephritis.

Forecast

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 added to GABHS.

Due to acquired lymphostasis, ability to work may be reduced.

In general, the prognosis for the patient’s life is favorable if complications are avoided.

Prevention of erysipelas

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

limit contact with patients with erysipelas, after contact, carry out antiseptic treatment of your skin; take care of strengthening the immune system by establishing a daily routine, exercising, and avoiding stressful situations; timely eliminate foci of chronic streptococcal infection, monitor health status; establish proper healthy nutrition - hemolytic streptococcus multiplies quickly in stale food, giving particular preference to meat broths; To avoid relapses after erysipelas, carry out preventive injections of bicillin year-round.

Local measures:

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

Erysipelas ICD 10

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

Class I
- A30 - A49 Other bacterial diseases

A46 Erysipelas (Erysipelas)

A disease that occurs quickly has serious consequences if measures are not taken in time. It is worth treating the lesion on the skin immediately, noting the first signs of the onset of the disease.

Symptoms initial stage may not appear on the skin. When the symptoms affect the skin, the disease will have to be treated with methods that involve the use of antibacterial tablets. To avoid taking potent drugs, you need to stop the disease at the initial stage. The use of folk remedies will help relieve irritation.

What is erysipelas of the leg - causes

Erysipelas (“erysipelas”) amazes skin covering on the foot. The disease is classified as infectious. The disease is caused by hemolytic streptococcus, classified as group A. A person faced with a skin disease goes through infection of the skin cells and the appearance of foci of inflammation on the skin of the leg.

It is believed that there is genetic predisposition to diseases of the skin of the leg caused by infection.

Among the reasons leading to the appearance of erysipelas symptoms, may be an allergy to streptococcal infection. Reduced immunity and an unstable emotional state can be considered contributing factors in the development of erysipelas.

Causes associated with a violation of the skin of the leg can lead to the identification of symptoms of the disease:

skin trauma (bruise, cut, burn); insect bite that carries streptococcus.

The consequence of hypothermia or overheating of the body can be erysipelas that affects the leg.

In children, erysipelas can begin as a complication of chicken pox.
The disease carries infectious nature, she's contagious. The consequence of contact of damaged areas of the skin with a pathogen, cover already affected by streptococcus, can be damage to the leg by erysipelas.

Erysipelas of the leg symptoms

The doctor knows that erysipelas of the leg at the initial stage characterized by such signs:

temperature rise, possible rise to 40; headache; muscle aches; weakness; nausea or vomiting; fever accompanied by delirium; muscle spasms.

Signs of the initial period are observed from a couple of hours to three days.

After primary signs appear symptoms of the disease:

burns the skin; a feeling of fullness in the leg in the place where the inflammation began; red or burgundy tint of inflamed skin; the form of inflammation on the skin is similar to the red flame of fire; skin lesion sticks out, representing a red inflammatory shaft; feelings of increased skin temperature at the site of erysipelas; edema; bubble formation; the attenuation of inflammation can occur through peeling of the skin.

So, what does a erysipelas on a leg look like? photo initial stage:

Complications

If the disease has reached a severe stage, treatment does not bring recovery, the skin may blister. Blisters may contain serous and hemorrhagic substances. The disease can cause peeling of the outer layer of the skin. The purulent consequences of erysipelas are difficult to cure.

The consequences of the disease can lead to complications. Problems with the circulation of lymph in the legs, leading to swelling, are a serious complication of erysipelas.

A dangerous complication of untimely or incorrect treatment can be the formation of blood clots.

Complications in the form of ulcerative skin lesions, necrosis of skin cells can overtake a patient with erysipelas of the leg.

If the treatment is chosen incorrectly, you may encounter kidney disease as a complication of the disease.

Erysipelas can have complications on the functioning of the heart.

How to treat erysipelas of the leg - treatment methods

Methods that can treat skin inflammation are associated with antibacterial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and folk remedies.

The medicinal method involves the use of antibiotics and tablets that will help relieve inflammation. The disease can be treated with allergy medications if the disease has become chronic.

At the initial stage, treatment using folk remedies is possible.

If stress is the cause of the disease, V complex therapy illness, it is worth incorporating relaxation methods. Among folk remedies you can choose those that will help relieve tension and calm emotions (motherwort, hawthorn, valerian).
The methods are used at home.

Erysipelas - treatment at home

The area affected by erysipelas should not be wetted. At home, you need to make sure that the inflamed skin is kept dry.

Skin irritation that occurs with erysipelas of the leg can be relieved by drinking a large volume of liquid. Water removes harmful substances from the body, preventing the infection from multiplying. At home, you can treat erysipelas occurring on the leg, in the initial stage or at the stage when inflammatory process decreases with furatsilin solution. The appearance of blisters can be treated at home if the method is careful and sterile. The blisters are cut and the inside of the bubble is brought out. After completing the procedure, you need to apply gauze treated with a special ointment to the skin lesion. Erysipelas of the leg, treatment at home for which is prescribed step by step by a doctor, can be treated with antibiotics if the likelihood of complications of the disease increases.

The disease can be cured using folk remedies. A disease that has led to skin irritation can be treated comprehensively, combining folk remedies and medications.

At home you can use tinctures:

eucalyptus; chagi; valerian.

There is an unusual folk method to treat the disease:

spray chalk on the red area of the skin suffering from infection; tie with red cloth; Do not remove the bandage during the day.

Advice from healers to use a folk remedy to combat erysipelas an hour before sunrise. The procedure should cure erysipelas within a week.

Treatment in children is complicated by restrictions medications. Treatment should be carried out at the first signs at the initial stage of manifestation skin irritation. The use of antibiotics in children is highly undesirable.

Traditional recipes for erysipelas

You can treat inflammation that affects the skin of your feet using the following method: traditional medicine. Erysipelas can be cured by using the product externally or internally.

Treatment of erysipelas of the leg with folk remedies should be done at the initial stage of the disease, when there is no need to take antibacterial drugs.

An effective method to relieve inflammation among folk remedies is a compress of raw potatoes, grated, or cabbage leaf. It is better to do this folk remedy at night. Treatment of erysipelas is carried out with various bandages soaked in pre-prepared decoctions according to folk recipes. Erysipelas can be treated by applying a bandage with juniper decoction (boil 2 tablespoons of raw material in 0.5 liters of boiling water for several minutes, leave to infuse). The folk remedy is applied four times a day. Decoction of herbal collection(plantain, chamomile, sage, St. John's wort) is effective in the treatment of erysipelas. At home, you need to apply a bandage soaked in the infusion, wrap it on top with a bandage with saline solution. A salty folk remedy can be made at the rate of a teaspoon per glass of water. Treat with the method four times a day, one of which is carried out before night. By combining crushed chamomile (flowers), coltsfoot, and honey, you will get an excellent medicine at home to relieve inflammation of the skin during erysipelas. Treatment is carried out one teaspoon, taken three times a day. There is an opinion that drinking holy water helps treat erysipelas of the skin of the leg. The use of infusion obtained from folk recipe, possibly inside and as a bandage. You can get a folk remedy by combining in equal dosage the rhizomes of licorice, marsh calamus, burnet, cudweed, yarrow, nettle leaf, and eucalyptus. At home, infuse a tablespoon of the dry mixture into a glass of boiled liquid. The folk remedy will be beneficial if taken 50 g four times a day. At the same time, apply a bandage with the infusion to the area of skin covered with red inflammation.

Folk remedies can cause allergies. The use of folk remedies should be discussed with your doctor. Not all folk remedies are suitable for treatment skin ailments. A doctor or personal experience can choose a folk remedy that will help cure the disease.

How to treat erysipelas - pharmaceuticals

It is impossible to treat erysipelas that has reached the stage of redness of the skin with ointment. If the skin becomes red and the spot spreads along the leg, you need to consult a doctor or, if the inflammation occurs again, use previously used medications.

To treat the disease, you can use ointments for erysipelas of the leg. An effective remedy considered an ointment Dermo-Naft. Naftalan ointment is used in the treatment of skin lesions from infections or injuries.

Ointment Iruksol has antimicrobial property, struggling with purulent discharge, dead cells.

Before using the ointment, you need to discuss the consequences with your doctor. Application ointments Vishnevsky, Liniment may lead to complications instead of curing the disease. Ointments will help with initial symptoms diseases. Inflamed skin must be kept dry and the skin must breathe.

The ointment can soften the skin and block access to air, which will prevent the disease from being treated correctly. It is not possible to remove the red tint of erysipelas with ointment; antibacterial tablets will help cure the disease.

During the treatment of erysipelas, they are prescribed antibacterial drugs that will help remove the red tint from the skin, destroying the infection:

Tetracycline; Penicillin; Erythromycin; Oleandomycin; Olethetrin; Bicillin-5.

Repeated inflammation can be treated with tablets:

Methicillin; Tseporin; Ampicillin; Oxacillin.

The antibiotic treatment method is applied within a week. If the period of taking antibacterial tablets has reached the 10th day, instead of antibacterial agents Anti-inflammatory or allergy pills may be prescribed.

If the process of inflammation begins again after a course of treatment for erysipelas, they can help cure the disease hormonal pills(Prednisolone).

In children, pain relief when it is necessary to treat erysipelas is carried out with the following drugs:

Acetaminophen (paracetamol); Ibuprofen.

The use of antibiotics in children, when the goal is to treat a skin disease, is limited to a group of oral drugs.

Is erysipelas of the leg contagious or not?

The skin disease is contagious. The cause of inflammation is an infection represented by streptococcus. At any stage, an infectious disease is contagious.

The infection is transmitted by contact with the skin where the infection has begun: if a person has damaged skin, then erysipelas is contagious for him.

If you are in doubt whether a disease is contagious, you should think about the consequences and possible complications. To remove doubts, it is worth imagining how difficult it is to treat an infectious skin disease. Instead of then taking a long and difficult time to treat the disease, it is better to limit communication with the carrier of the infection until the patient can cure the disease.

Symptoms of the initial stage are invisible on the skin; the infection can be transmitted through wounds when a person does not suspect that he is in contact with an infected person. Monitoring the integrity of your own skin will help you avoid infection.

Prevention

Having calculated the causes and pathogens of the disease, you should try to avoid them. If inflammation begins after an insect bite, you need to use repellents. Erysipelas occurred after an injury, you need to protect your leg from possible wounds, burns.

Given the fact that the disease is infectious, the disease is contagious. The presence of a predisposition to the disease, an allergy to an infectious pathogen, or skin damage should cause concern when in contact with a person whose skin is affected by erysipelas.

Living next to an infected person leads to the need to limit communication. The disease in children may be more severe due to the fact that it is more difficult for them to control themselves when they want to scratch the skin. To avoid skin lesions in children, you need to separate them from the sick person and ensure that there are no wounds on the skin through which infection can enter.

When faced with inflammation on the leg, the next time a person notices the signs of the disease, he should turn to treatment methods in advance to avoid serious consequences, complications.

If the cause of the disease lies in an unstable emotional state, if the first signs of a psychological disorder appear, it is worth taking measures to relieve tension.

The use of folk remedies for calming will help cope with anxiety and feelings of irritation. The right image life, healthy eating will contribute to a healthier body, increased strength and good spirits.

Erysipelas begins violently and acutely. A person is seized by a fever with a headache, chills, nausea or vomiting, and severe weakness, which quickly intensify as the body becomes increasingly intoxicated. The affected area of the skin turns red, swells, because of this it becomes very stretched, and the slightest touch to it causes pain.

The duration of the disease depends primarily on the form of erysipelas and the degree of streptococcal intoxication. If the skin turns purple and swells, it is erythematous erysipelas. In the hemorrhagic form, the capillaries burst and pinpoint hemorrhages occur.

And with bullous erysipelas, in addition to the rash, blisters with watery contents also form, similar to blisters, in case of burns. When they subside, the skin becomes covered, which peel off only after two to three weeks. The disease drags on if non-healing ulcers form in their place.

If the foci of erysipelas are small and the patient immediately began treatment, then febrile state It doesn’t last very long, only two to three days, and after five to six days the rash goes away completely. For moderate intoxication acute inflammation It has lasted for about a week, and the redness goes away after ten days.

In severe cases, when the lesions are extensive, the temperature is under forty, vomiting is exhausting, treatment can last for two to three weeks or even more.

Often symptoms severe poisoning The body is exposed to streptococcal toxins when erysipelas metastasizes in places far from the original source of inflammation. In bullous form residual effects- peeling, slight swelling, skin pigmentation, peeling of dry crusts - take at least another week.

When recovery may take longer

Whatever form the disease takes, it always affects lymphatic system body. And the duration of treatment for erysipelas also depends on the degree of its damage. After all, it is not only the skin, but also lymphadenitis - inflammation of the lymph nodes or lymphangitis - inflammation of blood vessels. It is possible to develop especially severe complication: elephantiasis of the legs, and then treatment may take more than one month.

Primary erysipelas most often appears only on the face and can be forgotten quite quickly. But the disease is insidious in that it often returns, affecting the legs. This is especially likely if there are problems with the veins of the extremities (varicose veins or thrombophlebitis), or skin diseases, allergies, bronchial asthma. It happens that erysipelas goes away and appears again over many years and even decades.

Any form of this disease has age characteristics. For example, children rarely get erysipelas, but easily and recover quickly. But in older people, the disease is usually much more severe, and the acute febrile period can last about a month with exacerbations of concomitant chronic diseases.

Finally, recovery can be significantly delayed if the patient’s skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays. If you mistakenly use compresses or ointments that stimulate blood circulation to relieve swelling, then the infection spreads throughout the body. Or use traditional medicine recipes, having no idea what the form and stage of the disease are, and not taking into account concomitant diseases.