Learn About Erysipelas
Erysipelas is a type of skin infection. It affects the outermost layer of the skin and the local lymph nodes.
Strep infection - erysipelas; Streptococcal infection - erysipelas; Cellulitis - erysipelas
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)
The infection occurs on the legs or arms most of the time. It may also occur on the face and trunk.
Symptoms of erysipelas may include:
- Fever and chills
- Skin sore with a sharp raised border. As the infection spreads, the skin is painful, very red, swollen, and warm. Blisters on the skin can form.
Antibiotics are used to get rid of the infection. If the infection is severe, antibiotics may need to be given through an intravenous (IV) line.
People who have repeated episodes of erysipelas may need long-term antibiotics.
Paul Ehrlich Society For Chemotherapy
Cord Sunderkotter is in Halle, Germany. Sunderkotter is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Erysipelas. He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Erysipelas, Cellulitis, Scabies, and Polyarteritis Nodosa.
Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden Friedrichstadt
Uwe Wollina is in Dresden, Germany. Wollina is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Erysipelas. He is also highly rated in 126 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Lipedema, Epidermoid Cyst, Erysipelas, and Basal Cell Skin Cancer.
Hôpitaux De Brabois
J-l Schmutz is in Vandoeuvre-les-nancy, France. Schmutz is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Erysipelas. They are also highly rated in 21 other conditions, according to our data. Their top areas of expertise are Erysipelas, Pustular Psoriasis, Psoriasis, and Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris.
With treatment, the outcome is good. It may take a few weeks for the skin to return to normal. Peeling is common as the skin heals.
Sometimes the bacteria that cause erysipelas may travel to the blood. This results in a condition called bacteremia. When this happens, the infection may spread to the heart valves, joints, and bones.
Other complications include:
- Return of infection
- Septic shock (a dangerous body-wide infection)
Call your health care provider if you have a skin sore or other symptoms of erysipelas.
Keep your skin healthy by avoiding dry skin and preventing cuts and scrapes. This may reduce the risk for erysipelas.
Published Date : November 10, 2020
Published By : Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Bryant AE, Stevens DL. Streptococcus pyogenes. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 197.
Patterson JW. Bacterial and rickettsial infections. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Limited; 2021:chap 24.