Erysipelas in Children and Young People Aged 1 Month to Under 18 Years — First-Line Treatment (No Penicillin Allergy)
Clinical Scenario
This protocol addresses erysipelas in children and young people aged 1 month to under 18 years who have no penicillin allergy and whose infection is not located near the eyes or nose.
Treatment Approach
An oral antibiotic course is the recommended first-line approach for this age group. Intravenous therapy is reserved for those who are unable to take oral medication or who are severely unwell, with a review at 48 hours to consider switching back to oral therapy where possible.
Expected Clinical Course
Symptoms are expected to begin improving within 2 to 3 days. Full resolution of symptoms at 5 to 7 days is not expected — the skin takes time to return to normal after treatment.
References
- table 2 for children and young people under 18 years
- First-choice antibiotic for children aged 1 month and over (give orally unless person unable to take oral or severely unwell)
- If intravenous antibiotics are given, review by 48 hours and consider switching to oral antibiotics if possible.
- seeking medical help if symptoms worsen rapidly or significantly at any time, or do not start to improve within 2 to 3 days.
- However, skin does take some time to return to normal, and full resolution of symptoms at 5 to 7 days is not expected.