Erysipelas of the external ear: symptoms, treatment, photo of the affected tissue

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An erysipelas of the ear appears due to erysipelas, from which it is very difficult to get rid of. This is an infectious disease, for which there is an acute serous exudative inflammation of the skin. This illness was mentioned by Hippocrates in his works, but in the 17th century the similarity of the disease with common acute exanthems was first noted.

Erysipelas of the ICD-10

Disease in childhood is rare. It can be primary, when appearance is associated with the presence of cracks in the skin, using other people's hairbrushes. The secondary form appears when the process changes from the skin of the face or head. The code of the disease for ICD-10 is A46. Pathology is found in 15-20 people out of 10 thousand. The most common in women after 40 years.

Causes of

The disease appears due to streptococcus, but the disease's infectiousness is low. The causes of the illness include:

  • skin lesions with fungal infections,
  • hypothermia or overheating,
  • ear skin damage,
  • frequent exposure to chemical contaminants, soot,
  • injury.
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Symptoms of

The disease always begins acutely. First there is a feeling of itching and burning. After 2-3 days there is a small swelling, fever and pain. The latter can extend to the entire head and area of ​​the nearest lymph nodes. The incubation period is rather labile. It is from 3 hours to 5 days. The main symptoms are:

  • The appearance on the ear of small bubbles filled with contents.
  • The affected area is a distinct area of ​​scarlet color that rises above the rest of the skin.
  • The temperature reaches 40 degrees.

The disease is characterized by the appearance of headaches, chills, aches and bones. Against the background of a febrile condition, vomiting and nausea appear. With severe form, cramps may appear.

Types of

There are several forms of erysipelas, which differ in their manifestations:

  • erythematous,
  • hemorrhagic,
  • bullous.

Erythematous

In medicine, this form is considered one of the most dangerous. First there is a reddish or pink spot that turns into erythema erysipelas. It is an infiltrate, a swollen area with painful sensations. The boundaries of the affected area resemble flames.

Hemorrhagic

This species occurs in 90% of all cases. The main difference from the previous version is the presence of hemorrhages. Characteristically a long feverish state, a slow reverse development of local changes. In rare situations, necrosis of the skin.

Bullous

Small bubbles appear. They appear for several hours or days. Then they are opened, and the serous contents from them follow. The upper epidermis begins to flake off. After falling off the scabs there are no scars left. Sometimes in the place of the blisters appear ulcers.

On the photo the species of erysipelas of the ear

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is based on anamnesis and examination. As a result, tests are administered.

Clinical picture

A doctor can detect pronounced flushing of the tissues and swelling of the entire auricle with erysipelas of the ear. It has clear boundaries and touches the lobe. At palpation, the patient experiences pain. The border between the affected area and healthy skin is different in color or swollen roller.

Required tests for

Infectionist sends for delivery:

  • antistreptolysin O in the blood serum,
  • antibodies to streptococcus A, B, C, D, F, G in the blood.

In the first case, antibodies are studied that are produced against streptolysin type O, which is secreted by group A streptococcus. Antibodies should neutralize the toxic effects of bacteria. Blood is taken from the vein, no additional training is required.

In the second case, the AT titer is studied for streptococcus. Normally it is 12-166 units. AT appears in the first week of infection and reaches the highest values ​​for 2-3 weeks of the disease. But active infection causes an increase in titer in 4 times only in 70% of patients. The ELISA method can be used.

Diagnosis and recommendations of doctors in the treatment of erysipelas:

Treatment

Recommended hospitalization and isolation of the patient with an erypsipelas.

Medication

Antibacterial drugs of penicillin type are prescribed. Their reception lasts no less than 7 days. Young people are prescribed calcium gluconate. All patients receive:

  • ascorbic and nicotinic acids,
  • vitamins A and B,
  • multivitamin mixtures,
  • immunostimulating drugs.

Local effects are relevant only for bullous haemorrhagic form. In an acute period, the blisters are cut at the edge. Then apply bandages with a solution of rivanol and furacilin. They do about a week. For healing, ointments and gels are used, leading to a rapid regeneration of tissues.

Traditional medicine

There are several methods that will help cope with the disease. These include:

  • camphor alcohol,
  • aloe juice,
  • plantain juice.

If there is severe pain, then you can add novocaine or Dimexide to the juice. The latter is used in a 1: 1 ratio.

Plantain perfectly copes with an erypsipelas. Therefore, you can grind fresh leaves and apply them with fixation to inflammation. Some people use rye flour. It is poured into the ear.

Than to treat erysipelatous ear inflammation

Possible complications of

10% of all cases occur with complications. A secondary infection may join. Then on the auricle there are abscesses or areas of necrosis. If you allow the occurrence of deep ulcers, scarring may remain.

Forecast

With erysipelas, the prognosis is favorable. Especially if the disease is cured in a timely manner. In the neglected case, the ailment acquires a chronic form, there is a high risk of relapse.

How to treat erysipelas with folk remedies

Prophylaxis

If the disease is constantly repeated, the antibacterial preparation bicillin is administered prophylactically. The dose and the multiplicity of its application are calculated on an individual basis.

To prevent the development of infection, it is recommended not to allow the development of severe forms of otitis and to comply with hygiene rules. In case of violation of the integrity of the skin, disinfection and application of insulating dressings is recommended.

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