Erysipelas on the leg

The leg is particularly frequently affected by erysipelas. One of the reasons for this is that one of the most common causes of erysipelas is athlete’s foot. Due to the athlete’s foot, the skin between the toes softens and small skin cracks appear, through which the bacteria can penetrate. Even in case of an existing sugar disease or circulatory disorders, the leg is preferably affected by erysipelas, because in an advanced stage of the disease, there are usually poorly healing wounds in the interdigits between the toes, whereby pathogens can easily penetrate and subsequently lead to leg erysipelas.

Infection

Erysipelas is an infectious disease. However, if the bacteria are transmitted, it does not necessarily lead to infection in the newly infected person, as the immune system is usually strong enough to fight the pathogen without causing the disease. The bacteria also do not necessarily lead to the development of erysipelas, but can also trigger other infections/inflammations.

Due to the risk of infection, adequate hygiene is important to prevent the spread of germs. However, it is important to know that an infection can only occur if the contact person also has skin lesions that can lead to infection. Otherwise the skin represents a safe barrier against the bacteria.

Treatment

The treatment of erysipelas is carried out with antibiotics, as it is a bacterial infection. In most cases this is penicillin. Penicillin works well against the mostly causative A-streptococci.

A blood test can find out whether another pathogen is responsible for the infection, so that the antibiotic can be adjusted accordingly. The antibiotic is initially given as an infusion through the vein, so that it has a faster and stronger effect. As a result, the patient usually has to be admitted to hospital for this.

If the therapy is effective, the antibiotic can be administered orally in tablet form after two to three days. In total, the antibiotic should be administered for about 14 days. If there is no significant improvement within three days, a differential diagnosis to erysipelas, such as phlegmons, should be considered.

At the same time, a symptomatic therapy is often carried out as part of the therapy, such as the administration of antipyretic and analgesic drugs. If arms or legs are affected, which is usually the case, they must be elevated and cooled, usually by means of a splint. This serves to prevent lymph congestion.

Immobilization is also important, so that bed rest should be maintained as far as possible. However, the leg should be moved from time to time to prevent the development of thrombosis. In case of facial erysipelas, as little talking as possible should be done and easily digestible food should be eaten.

This reduces the risk of the infection spreading to the brain. If the erysipelas was caused by an underlying disease, it should of course also be treated. If the erysipelas is recognized and treated in time, it heals without complications.

The development of recurrences is typical. This usually happens in patients at risk. Predisposed people can prevent the development of erysipelas by taking good care of the skin with creams. Thorough cleansing of skin injuries also serves as a prophylaxis.