It happens that suddenly a swollen arm or leg turns reddish, hot, and full of spots. Then itching appears and the patient can even have a fever. That might be erysipelas – one of the most undesirable and dangerous conditions in lymphedema patients. Most of them experience erysipelas at least once a year, but that might happen 4-6-8 times annually.
What is erysipelas?
Erysipelas is a skin infectious disease that affects and spreads within lymph vessels. It is caused by streptococcus. Occasionally, the contamination accounts for small damages to the skin. Therefore, it is obligatory to sanitize all kinds of wounds, bites, scratches, etc. The immune system of a healthy person is capable of the infectious agent elimination. A damaged lymphatic system is more vulnerable due to drainage failure, so the disease often affects a limb with lymphedema. That causes more difficulties for lymph to drain when a swelling is long-lasting.
How to tell if it is erysipelas? First signs and symptoms:
- temperature rise or even fever;
- redness and hot spots of the skin;
- sense of heaviness, pain or/and tension in the limb;
- worsening of the swelling or/and skin appearance.
Those who have ever experienced erysipelas can often be self-diagnosed. Sometimes it might be confused with any other condition because of the t absence of some key symptoms like fever, but that is because the disease can occur in many ways So, we strongly advise seeking medical care even if any (not all) symptoms are obvious. The least you should do is wait!
How is erysipelas diagnosed?
Firstly, a full blood count is taken to see leukocytosis, band cell neutrophilia, lack of platelets, ESR increase, and group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus antibodies. In more severe cases US or CT scan can be performed, but it is rare.
Commonly a microbiological test is made.
A physician prescribes any treatment based on lab tests and usually antibiotics. That’s why one should always consult a specialist to receive the best treatment required. This might be an infectionist, surgeon, or internist. If scheduled attendance is postponed it is better to call for an ambulance.
Erysipelas are highly unpleasant and risky on their own, but they become even more dangerous for patients with lymphedema. It can very quickly damage the only drainage paths left and worsen the condition, so ones with no swelling can obtain it. And for those who have had it, it can intensify significantly.
Treatment and managing the erysipelas.
If you have occasional erysipelas, antibiotic therapy during the inflammation stage can be sufficient. If the disease appears annually or, in some patients, monthly preventive antibiotic therapy is highly recommended, meaning that drugs should be taken even with no science of the disease.
Never take any drugs without a doctor’s prescription!
Surgery.
It might sound surprising, but surgery can help to manage erysipelas. During the procedure infected fat and fibrous tissues are removed, and lymph vessels are restored. As a result, the connection between deeper and superficial lymph vessels is being made which helps to drain inflammatory liquid and resist infection.
Lymphedema prevention.
A little bit of advice that helps you not to miss signs of illness and to prevent it.
- Keep your skin clean and healthy. Wash your hands, sanitize all wounds, and always wear gloves when doing dirty work.
- Check up for your skin and swelling condition regularly.
- Wear a clean compression garment and wash them regularly. It might also be a source of contamination.
- Lead a healthy life and manage your diet and daily activities.
Compression garments.
Active stage of lymphedema does not require wearing any compression, because that might only worsen the drainage. Start wearing it right after your skin has healed.
If you have faced any serious consequences of erysipelas, please, contact us to have an attendance of our lymphedema specialists. Surgery might be the final solution for you!