Definition
In the medical field, the term erysipelas refers to an acute course infection involving the dermis, the superficial layers of the hypodermis and the lymphatic vessels. The erysipelas involves a progressive swelling of the skin, accompanied by micro-lesions of the skin. Typical of children and the elderly, erysipelas can still ideally affect anyone.
Causes
Erysipelas is caused by a bacterial infection sustained by beta-hemolytic type A streptococci, Streptococcus piogene, staphylococci of groups B, C and G, and other gram-negative bacteria. Infants, young children and the elderly are the subjects most at risk of infections, therefore erysipelas tends to prefer this slice of the population.
- Risk factors: diabetes mellitus, wounds, leg lymphedema, deep venous insufficiency, insect bites, tinea pedis
Symptoms
The skin lesions caused by erysipelas tend to concentrate on the face, legs and arms, although the infection can spread to the whole body. Skin maceration (erythematous patches, blisters, blisters, pustules, eyelid edema) is often accompanied by local burning, acupressure pain, high fever, headache, chills and cold, intense itching, conjunctival secretion.
- Complications: abscesses, involvement of the surrounding lymphatic glands, especially in the groin, elephantiasis, necrotizing fasciitis, glomerulus-nephritis, secondary pneumonia, septicemia
Information on Erysipelas - Drugs for the Treatment of Errisipela is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Erisipela - Drugs for the Treatment of Errisipela.
drugs
The erysipelas depends on a bacterial infection supported by streptococci or other gram-negative pathogens; consequently, the timely administration of antibiotics reduces the risk of complications, removing the causative agent.
Although the clinical and symptomatic picture of the patient suffering from erysipelas is accompanied by inflammation and pain, the administration of non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs) is banned: the use of these drugs, in fact, could paradoxically worsen the pre-existing disease, dilating resolution.
However, it seems however that the shock therapy with antibiotics favors the complete recovery of the disease and the remission of symptoms, already after the first days of treatment; it is recommended to complete the antibiotic cycle even in the case of disappearance of symptoms, in order to avoid the relapsing forms of erysipelas.
A form of erysipelas is caused by a fungus (fungal erysipelas): in this case, it is recommended to take antifungal drugs to kill the pathogen.
- Phenoxymethylpenicillin or penicillin V (eg Fenoss F, tablets or oral suspension): the drug belongs to the class of penicillins and can be used in therapy for erysipelas treatment. The dosage must be established by the doctor on the basis of the severity of the infection and the age of the patient, although it generally varies from 125 to 250 mg, to be taken 3-4 times a day. In general, the antibiotic treatment should be continued for 7-10 days. Consult your doctor.
- Erythromycin (eg Erythrocin, Erythro L, Lauromycin): the drug is a macrolide, used for the treatment of erysipelas for at least a week. Erythromycin is used as a second-line drug, when the patient is hypersensitive or allergic to the action of penicillins. Consult your doctor.
- Cefotaxima (eg Cefotaxima, Aximad, Lirgosin): third-generation cephalosporin, indicated to treat Staphylococcus- dependent erysipelas, possibly associated with pneumonia. In this case, take the drug intravenously or intramuscularly at a dose of 1 to 2 grams, every 6-8 hours. Do not exceed 2 grams ev every 4 hours. The duration of therapy should be extended for 7-21 days.
- Clindamycin (eg Dalacin-T, Clindamycin BIN, Zindaclin, Dalacin-C): if the patient is allergic to penicillin, it is possible to undertake the treatment against erysipelas with this drug. In general, it is recommended to take a dose of antibiotic ranging from 300 to 900 mg, intravenously, every 8 hours. When the symptomatic picture of the affected patient stabilizes, it is possible to continue therapy by administering the drug orally (300-450 mg, every 6 hours for 7-14 days).
- Flucloxacillin (eg. Flucloxacillin GNT): the drug is an inhibitor of beta lactamase also used to treat erysipelas. As an indication, take the drug at the dosage of 1 tablet (1 g) every 6-8 hours for 7-10 days. The drug is often available in combination with phenoxymethylpenicillin, indicated in particular in cases of suspected or established staphylococcal infection.
- Benzatinic benzylpenicillin (eg Benzil B BHA, Benzil B FN, Benzilpenicillin Benzatin Biopharma): the drug is indicated for the treatment of erysipelas in case of bacterial infections sensitive to the active ingredient. The drug is available as a powder for suspension for injection (intramuscularly: each vial of powder contains 1, 200, 000 IU of active). Therapy with this drug is indicated as a replacement for the treatment with phenoxymethylpenicillin, when parenteral therapy is required. The duration of the antibiotic cycle varies according to the severity of the infection and to the general state of health of the patient. It is recommended not to use the drug in children with erysipelas under the age of three.
