Erysipelas: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

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Erysipelas
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Erysipelas

• Erysipelas is a bacterial skin infection that
  usually affects the top most layer of the skin.
  Erysipelas is very rare, but requires immediate
  treatment. Erysipelas is often associated with
  other skin infection known as cellulitis, which
  affects the lower layers of the skin. Erysipelas
  generally occurs on the face and legs. Blisters,
  boils, fever, and chills follow this skin
  infection. Erysipelas infection results in red
  rashes. If Erysipelas is left untreated, it may
  cause further complications such as blood clots,
  heart valve infection, bone and joint
  infection and abscess. 

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Causes of Erysipelas 

• The bacteria Streptococcus is generally
  responsible for erysipelas. This bacteria lives
  on the skin and causes no harm, but can enter
  deep layers of the skin through a cut or wound
  and develop into an infection. People with
  autoimmune disease or a person with poor blood
  flow is at greater risk of developing the
  Erysipelas. Other possible causes of Erysipelas
  include 
• Insect bites
• Ulcers in the skin
• Other skin conditions such as psoriasis
• Cardiac problems
• Diabetes
• Overdose of illegal drugs
• Surgical incisions
• Weakened immune system

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Symptoms

• The symptoms of Erysipelas develop quickly and
  can be painful. Consult a dermatologist if any of
  the below mentioned symptoms occur. Common
  symptoms of Erysipelas include 
• Chills
• Swollen glands
• Fever
• Inflammation of the skin
• Blisters
• Malaise
• Itchy skin
• Sores on cheeks and nose
• Pus filled lumps
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Enlarged lymphatic nodes

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Diagnosis of Erysipelas

• The Erysipelas can be diagnosed by performing a
  physical examination. Tell a dermatologist about
  your medical history and symptoms. He may also
  scrape the skin to get a sample from the infected
  area. The sample taken from the affected area is
  sent for testing and further confirmation of
  diagnosis.

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Treatments

• The goal of the treatment of erysipelas is to
  reduce the swelling and prevent infection from
  spreading further. The treatment of erysipelas
  generally includes the combination of home
  remedies and medications. Treatment options
  for erysipelas include 
• Antibiotics such as penicillin, to slow down the
  growth of infection
• Antifungal infection if the patient has athletes
  foot
• Pain killers to get relief from pain and
  discomfort
• Keep the affected part alleviated to reduce the
  swelling
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Walk around to improve blood flow in the body
• Wash the infected area with antifungal soap

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Prevention of Erysipelas 

• Avoid scratching the infected area
• Keep the sores, cut, and wounds clean and covered
• Apply moisturizer to prevent breaking of skin
• Consult a dermatologist if erysipelas is
  resulting in eczema

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