Prevention of erysipelas

Erysipelas is an acute inflammatory infection of the skin. It is highly contagious and is extremely easy for people with weak immunity to be infected. The main symptom of erysipelas is that blisters easily form on the affected area. Once it comes into contact with a wound, it is very likely to be infected. The prevention of erysipelas is relatively simple, which means paying special attention to minor wounds and treating them in a timely manner, and taking protective measures when in contact with erysipelas patients. Once you are sick, go to the hospital and take medicine in time.

Erysipelas is an infection of the superficial lymphatic vessels of the dermis.

The main pathogen is group A β-hemolytic streptococcus. Predisposing factors are surgical wounds or clefts in the nostrils, external auditory canal, below the earlobe, anus, penis, and between the toes. Any inflammation of the skin, especially if there are cracks or ulcers, provides a pathway for pathogens to enter. Minor scrapes or scratches, injuries other than the head, unclean umbilical cord clamping, vaccinations, and chronic leg ulcers may all cause this disease. Pathogenic bacteria can lurk in the lymphatic vessels and cause recurrence.

The incubation period is 2 to 5 days.

Prodromal symptoms include sudden onset of fever, chills, malaise, and nausea. After a few hours to a day, erythema appears and gradually expands with clear boundaries. The skin temperature of the affected area is high and tense, and nodules and non-pitting edema appear. The affected area is tender and burning. Enlarged proximal lymph nodes are common, with or without lymphadenitis. Pustules, blisters, or small areas of hemorrhagic necrosis may also appear. It often occurs on the calves and face.

Relapses of erysipelas may cause persistent local lymphedema.

The end result is permanent hypertrophic fibrosis, called chronic streptococcal lymphedema. Breast cancer patients are also prone to recurrent erysipelas due to lymph congestion after axillary lymph node dissection.

We should actively look for skin lesions that can allow pathogens to enter, such as scratches, breaks or trauma caused by eczema, and once these skin lesions are found, they should be actively treated. The most common, neglected and untreated predisposing factor is tinea pedis, which can serve as a gateway for bacteria to enter the skin. Instruct patients not to pick their nose.