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." Erysipelas involves a progressive swelling of the skin, accompanied by micro-lesions of the skin. Typical of children and the elderly, erysipelas can however ideally affect anyone.
Causes
Erysipelas is caused by a bacterial infection sustained by beta-haemolytic streptococci of type A, Streptococcus pyogenic, 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, lymphedema of the legs, deep vein insufficiency, insect bites, tinea pedis
Symptoms
The skin lesions caused by erysipelas tend to be concentrated in the face, legs and arms, although the infection can extend to the whole body. Skin maceration (erythematous patches, blisters, blisters, pustules, eyelid edema) is often accompanied by local burning, acupressure pain, low temperature / high fever, headache, chills and cold, intense itching, conjunctival discharge.
- Complications: abscesses, involvement of the surrounding lymph glands, especially in the groin, elephantiasis, necrotizing fasciitis, glomerulo-nephritis, secondary pneumonia, septicemia
The information on Erysipelas - Erysipelas Treatment Drugs is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Erysipelas - Erysipelas Treatment Drugs.
Medicines
Erysipelas depends on a bacterial infection sustained by streptococci or other gram negative pathogens; consequently, the timely administration of antibiotics reduces the risk of complications, removing the etiological agent.
Despite the clinical-symptomatological picture of the patient suffering from erysipelas is accompanied by inflammation and pain, the administration of non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs) is banned: the intake of these drugs, in fact, could paradoxically worsen the pre-existing disease, extending the time of resolution.
However, it still seems that the shock therapy with antibiotics favors the complete healing of the disease and the remission of symptoms, already after the first days of treatment; it is recommended to complete the antibiotic course even in case of disappearance of the symptoms, in order to avoid relapsing forms of erysipelas.
One form of erysipelas is caused by a fungus (fungal erysipelas): in this case, it is recommended to take antifungal drugs to kill the pathogen.
The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against erysipelas, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:
- Phenoxymethylpenicillin or penicillin V (eg Fenoss F, tablets or oral suspension): the drug belongs to the penicillin class and can be used in therapy for the treatment of erysipelas. The dosage should be established by the doctor based on the severity of the infection and age of the patient, even if it generally varies from 125 to 250 mg, to be taken 3-4 times a day. In general, 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" action of penicillins Consult your doctor.
- Cefotaxime (eg. Cefotaxime, Aximad, Lirgosin): third generation cephalosporin, indicated to treat erysipelas dependent on Staphylococcuspossibly associated with pneumonia. In this case, take the drug intravenously or intramuscularly at a dosage ranging from 1 to 2 grams, every 6-8 hours. Do not exceed 2 grams i.v. every 4 hours. The duration of therapy should be continued for 7-21 days.
- Clindamycin (eg. Dalacin-T, Clindamycin BIN, Zindaclin, Dalacin-C): in case 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 variable from 300 to 900 mg, intravenously, every 8 hours. When the symptomatological picture of the affected patient stabilizes, it is possible to continue the therapy with the administration of the drug orally (300-450 mg, every 6 hours for 7 -14 days).
- Flucloxacillin (eg Flucloxacillin GNT): the drug is a beta lactamase inhibitor also used to treat erysipelas. Indicatively, take the drug at a dosage of 1 tablet (1 g) every 6-8 hours for 7-10 days. The drug is often found in combination with phenoxymethylpenicillin, particularly indicated in case of suspected or confirmed staphylococcal infection.
- Benzylpenicillin benzatin (eg. Benzyl B BHA, Benzyl B FN, Benzylpenicillin 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 in the form of powder for injectable suspension ( intramuscularly: each vial of powder contains 1,200,000 IU of active). Therapy with this drug is indicated as a substitute for treatment with phenoxymethylpenicillin, when parenteral therapy is required. The duration of the antibiotic course varies according to the severity of the "infection and the patient's general health. It is recommended not to use the drug in children suffering from erysipelas under the age of three.
