What does the treatment for erysipelas typically include?

The treatment for erysipelas typically includes the use of oral antibiotics such as Penicillin V (Pen V) or Amoxicillin. Erysipelas is a bacterial skin infection that usually stems from Streptococcus pyogenes. The choice of antibiotics is crucial because they help eliminate the underlying infection, reduce inflammation, and prevent complications.

Penicillin is often the first-line antibiotic for treating this condition due to its effectiveness against the bacteria commonly responsible for erysipelas. In cases of mild erysipelas, oral antibiotics are generally sufficient for treatment.

In contrast, heavy wound dressing and topical steroids alone do not address the bacterial infection or inflammation caused by erysipelas, and immediate surgical intervention is generally not necessary unless there are complications, such as abscess formation or necrosis. Therefore, using oral antibiotics effectively targets the infection and is aligned with standard clinical practice for managing erysipelas.