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Erythema is a disease caused by erysipelas – a bacterium found all over the world. The greatest risk of developing the disease exists primarily among veterinarians, employees of meat plants and fish processing plants. The disease-causing bacterium is extremely resistant to smoking, salting and rotting. The source of erysipelas infection is mainly pigs, fish, mice and poultry.
A few words about Różyca …
Erythema is a bacterial infection caused by gram-negative bacteria called erysipelas: Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. This bacterium is extremely resistant to drying, salting, smoking, curing and rotting. In the summer months, it has the ability to multiply in fertilizer. The source of infection with erysipelas is animals, mainly pigs (the germ is excreted in the urine and faeces of animals), as well as poultry, mice, fish and crabs. The infection occurs most often through wounded skin that has come into contact with pork or fish scales, less often by droplets. Erythema is a zoonotic disease that occurs very often in our country, considered an occupational disease mainly of veterinarians and butchers who come into contact with sick animals or meat. In humans, erysipelas most often occur in the cutaneous form; causes skin lesions to appear on the patient’s body, especially around the hands and fingers. Less common is sepsis, which is much more dangerous because it causes endocarditis, which in turn can result in death. Equally rarely, erysipelas have the intestinal and angina varieties.
Erosion – symptoms
Erythema causes a painful, expanding erythema, sometimes a blister, sharply demarcated from the environment, to appear on the skin at the site of the penetration of the germ on the skin. The joints and lymph nodes in the area then become swollen and sore. The lesion is accompanied by severe itching, which is intensified by heat. Sometimes there are general symptoms such as fever or malaise.
The intestinal form of rosette is also possible, which appears as a result of eating infected pork meat, giving symptoms of acute gastroenteritis.
Generally, erysipelas develop suddenly and be acute or subacute. Then, diamond-shaped spots appear on the skin, which indicate the presence of erysipelas. In turn, the chronic nature of erysipelas is associated with the occurrence of skin necrosis, acute arthritis and endocarditis. In general, skin lesions accompanying the disease heal properly, although complications such as sepsis may occur in some cases.
Very often, erysipelas are mistaken for erysipelas because of an expanding peripheral erythema that is quite clearly demarcated from the rest of the skin. The difference is that the rose usually affects the skin of the face and cheeks, while erysipelas around the hands.
Erysipelas – diagnosis
People suspected of erysipelas should consult a dermatologist who, based on a detailed interview with the patient and examination of clinical symptoms, will make a preliminary diagnosis. It is important that the patient informs the doctor if he or she has been exposed to meat or animal products before, otherwise the doctor will not be able to conclude that the disease is zoonotic. This is important information as erysipelas are often confused with roses. In case of initial suspicion of erysipelas, it is necessary to conduct a microbiological examination. For newborns, blood is drawn from the heel.
Erysipelas – treatment
In the treatment of erysipelas, preparations in the form of penicillin, imipen and ciprofloxacin are used. The guarantee of a good prognosis is a well-established diagnosis and the implementation of appropriate medications. It is similar in the case of erysipelas – correct diagnosis is also important here. The bacteria causing the disease are resistant to the antibiotics administered for endocarditis, i.e. aminoglycosides and glycopeptides. Incorrect administration of these preparations will not only not fight the hairline, but will also weaken the body, which can even lead to death.
Can erysipelas be prevented?
In erysipelas, the most important thing is to comply with the health and safety rules. This is especially true for people who are in contact with meat by virtue of their profession. It is important that such people take care of their workplace and ensure that no injuries occur on the body. In the event of a skin wound, they should avoid contact with animal products. In addition, it is important to wear special protective clothing and gloves when working. The place where animals are kept (e.g. a pigsty) should be clean.