Erysipelas

Erysipelas is a type of skin infection which affects the outermost layer of the skin and the local lymph nodes. It is a form of cellulitis, but unlike cellulitis, which affects deeper tissue, erysipelas only affects the upper layers of the skin.

1. A red, swollen, and painful area of skin with a raised edge.
2. Blisters on the affected area.
3. Fever.
4. Chills.
5. Feeling unwell.
6. Swollen lymph nodes throughout the body.
7. Red nose, Inflammation of the skin.
8. Secondary - Skin infections, Skin ulcers, Skin color changes .

Erysipelas is usually caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. The condition may affect both children and adults.

Some conditions that can lead to erysipelas are:

• A cut in the skin
• Problems with drainage through the veins or lymph system
• Skin sores (ulcers)

Other causes related to lifestyle and diets are: 

1. Incompatible food like having milk and fruits together
2. Excessive intake of food materials like:
   • Curd
   • Pickles
   • Brinjal,
   • Ladies finger
   • Spicy food
   • Urad dal
   • Bakery items
   • Navadhanya (freshly harvested grains) 
   • Dairy products
3. Suppression of vomiting urge
4. Remain awake during night
5. Stress

According to Ayurveda, three biological elements present in our body: vata, pitta and kapha should be in balance. Erysipelas is caused due to an unwholesome diet and unhealthy lifestyle, which leads to impairment of digestion and aggravation of Pitta Dosha. Impaired digestion causes accumulation of toxins known as ama. Ama accumulate in body tissues, contaminating them at a deep level along with vitiated pitta and causing rashes spreading like snake (sarpa means snake) hence got the name Visarpa.

Treatment protocol aims at:

1. Treating inflammation of the skin and maintaining normal texture of the skin.
2. Prevent recurrence by healing and repairing the tissue.
3. Regular intake of supplements can help in long term relief and rejuvenating the whole body.

The first line of treatment should always be avoiding the causative factors. If the problem persists then consider the following treatment protocol:

• Red swollen painful inflamed skin area with blisters, Red nose, Swollen lymph nodes - In erysipelas, the infection rapidly invades and spreads through the lymphatic vessels resulting in inflamed skin and regional lymph node swelling and  pain with redness. Amalaki, Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Kasisa Bhasma, Manjistha, Sariva, and Mustha will treat the infection and  inflammation. It will also balance the vitiated doshas and boost the immunity.
• Fever, Chills, Feeling unwell - When the infection gets severe, it is sometimes accompanied with fever and chills. This condition should be managed with Guduchi and Ashwagandha to bring back the normal body temperature, fight infection and give strength to the body. It will normalise the body heat and at the same time rejuvenate the body.

(The above mentioned Ayurvedic drugs are Herbs and Herbomineral preparations)

Other Therapies - Vamana (emesis), virechana/Purgation therapy (cleaning digestive tract and purifies blood), Blood letting therapy.

Amalaki, Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Kasisa Bhasma, Manjistha, Sariva, Mustha, Guduchi, Ashwagandha