Treatment
Antibiotics such as penicillin are used to eliminate the infection. In severe cases, antibiotics may need to be given through an IV (intravenous line).
Those who have repeated episodes of erysipelas may need long-term antibiotics.
Prognosis (Expectations)
With treatment, the outcome is good. It may take a few weeks for the skin to return to normal. Peeling is common.
Complications
In some patients, the bacteria may travel to the blood. This results in a condition called bacteremia. The infection may spread to the heart valves, joints, and bones.
Other complications include:
- Return of infection
- Septic shock
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if you have a skin sore (lesion) that looks like erysipelas.
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Erysipelas : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Erysipelas : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Erysipelas : Treatment
Review Date : 10/15/2008
Reviewed By : Daniel Levy, MD, PhD, Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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