18.1.5
Erysipelas
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines, 6th Edition, 2023. Chapter 18, Skin Conditions.
Clinical Description
A bacterial infection of the upper section of the dermis
Cause: As impetigo
Signs and Symptoms
- Sign Sharply demarcated, rapidly spreading erythema on the affected area
- Pustules, vesicles, bullae and small areas of haemorrhagic necrosis may form
- Fever, chills, malaise and nausea
- Pain on affected area
- Regional lymphadenopathy
Investigations
- As under impetigo
Treatment
- Limb elevation
- Cold compresses
- If not complicated (no ulceration, no blistering, no severe systemic complications eg septic shock)
- As oral therapy for impetigo
- Complicated disease
- Ceftriaxone 50mg/kg/day IV daily in children for 5 days
- Adults: Ceftriaxone 1g IV daily for 5 to 7 days
- Switch to oral treatment as soon as the patient improves
Need this without data?
The app holds every guideline on your device, with calculators, bookmarks and notes.