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Erysipelas
Strep infection - erysipelas; Streptococcal infection - erysipelas; Cellulitis - erysipelas
Erysipelas is a type of skin infection. It affects the outermost layer of the skin and the local lymph nodes.
Causes
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)
Symptoms
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
Fever
Fever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...
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Skin sore with a sharp raised border. As the infection spreads, the skin is painful, very red, swollen, and warm skin
blisters
.
Blisters
A vesicle is a small fluid-filled blister on the skin.
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Exams and Tests
Erysipelas is diagnosed based on how the skin looks. A biopsy of the skin is usually not needed.
Biopsy of the skin
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined. The skin is tested to look for skin conditions or diseases. A...
Treatment
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.
Outlook (Prognosis)
With treatment, the outcome is good. It may take a few weeks for the skin to return to normal. Peeling is common.
Possible Complications
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)
Septic shock
Septic shock is a serious condition that occurs when a body-wide infection leads to dangerously low blood pressure.
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have a skin sore and other symptoms of erysipelas.
Prevention
Keep your skin healthy by avoiding dry skin and preventing cuts and scrapes. This may reduce the risk for erysipelas.
References
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, Updated Edition . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 199.
Patterson JW. Bacterial and rickettsial infections. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2016:chap 23.
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Erysipelas on the cheek - illustration
Erysipelas produces a rash that is red, slightly swollen, with very defined borders (well demarcated), warm, and tender to the touch. In this photograph, the right cheek is involved. There may be symptoms that affect the entire body (systemic) including fever and chills.
Erysipelas on the cheek
illustration
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Erysipelas on the face - illustration
Erysipelas produces a rash that is red, slightly swollen, very defined (well demarcated), warm, and tender to the touch. This individual has infection in the skin on both sides of the face, however, bilateral (both side) involvement is infrequent. Erysipelas may produce symptoms that affect the entire body (systemic) such as fever and chills.
Erysipelas on the face
illustration
-
Erysipelas on the cheek - illustration
Erysipelas produces a rash that is red, slightly swollen, with very defined borders (well demarcated), warm, and tender to the touch. In this photograph, the right cheek is involved. There may be symptoms that affect the entire body (systemic) including fever and chills.
Erysipelas on the cheek
illustration
-
Erysipelas on the face - illustration
Erysipelas produces a rash that is red, slightly swollen, very defined (well demarcated), warm, and tender to the touch. This individual has infection in the skin on both sides of the face, however, bilateral (both side) involvement is infrequent. Erysipelas may produce symptoms that affect the entire body (systemic) such as fever and chills.
Erysipelas on the face
illustration
Review Date: 8/20/2016
Reviewed By: David L. Swanson, MD, Vice Chair of Medical Dermatology, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Medical School, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
