Erysipelas may terminate in resolution. If this takes place in the
first stage of the disease, the redness gradually declines, along with
the swelling, the cuticle exfoliates, and the part regains its usual
appearance, the skin remaining loose and shrivelled. If it occurs after
vesications have formed, the effused fluid is absorbed, a scab forms,
and desquamates along with portions of the cuticle.
It may terminate in suppuration, when the inflammation has extended
to the cellular substance. This termination is most frequent when
the disease is situated in an extremity, seldom when in the face,
though small purulent collections occasionally form in the eyelids.
Circumscribed collections of pus often present themselves after the
disappearance of the erysipelatous inflammation; but the purulent
matter is generally diffused through the filamentous tissue, and is of
a thin, unhealthy appearance, and mixed with sloughs of the cellular
substance. By the infiltration of matter, the integuments, fasciæ, and
muscles are extensively separated from each other, in consequence of
which the parts frequently die, their nutritive supply being cut off.
Acrid sanious matter is often infiltrated extensively into the
subcutaneous cellular tissue round a wound or sore. The superimposed
integuments are of a dark brown colour, and the part is boggy.
Sloughing of the cellular membrane here takes place in consequence
of the infiltration, and not from inflammatory action having
been established. The affection has been termed Diffuse Cellular
Inflammation, but a more proper appellation is Diffuse Cellular
Infiltration; the cellular tissue, even where treatment is adopted at
an early period, can scarcely be prevented from perishing.
Erysipelas, if properly treated from its commencement, will seldom
terminate in gangrene of the skin. This termination is occasionally
observed, however, in patients whose constitutions have been extremely
debilitated.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account