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Back to Infectious Diseases
Erysipelas
Erysipelas is an infection of the skin by
streptococci.
The infection is subcutaneous and is more superficial than cellulitis
and hence well demarcated.
Symptoms and signs
The skin is painful, red, and tender. Patients
experience fever and chills. Bullae and vesicles may occur and leave crusts
when they rupture. Regional lymph gland enlargement is common.
The erysipelas rash may occur on face, arms, or
legs and has raised borders. The infection may recur, causing chronic
swelling of extremities (lymphadenitis).
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Transmission
Cellulitis begins with minor trauma, such as a bruise, usually to
an extremity.
Diagnosis
The organism may be cultured from skin lesions or recovered from
blood.
Treatment
Erysipelas usually responds to penicillin or erythromycin.
Depending on the severity, treatment involves either oral or
intravenous antibiotics.
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