Erysipelas


Erysipelas is a bacterial infection of the skin. It is similar to cellulitis, where bacterial infection affects the skin's underlying tissue. In erysipelas, however, the infection occurs at the skin itself.

Symptoms of Erysipelas

The symptoms of erysipelas include:

  • Sharply defined, bright red area of the skin
  • Hot and painful area
  • Slightly elevated as compared to the rest of the skin
  • Sometimes a red streak extending to the lymph node can be noticed
  • Fever and chills
  • Vomiting

Erysipelas infection occurs most often on the face, fingers and toes. It can spread rapidly, and may require hospitalization in serious cases.

Erysipelas
Facial Erysipelas.

Similar to cellulitis, erysipelas can create life-threatening secondary infections, such as fasciitis or infection by the flesh-eating bacteria.

Who Gets Erysipelas?

This condition tends to affect:

  • Infants
  • Young children
  • Older people

Women who have had their underarm and groin lymph nodes surgically removed (as part of the treatment for breast or uterine cancer).

Treatment of Erysipelas

The treatment for erysipelas include:

  • Oral antibiotics
  • Intravenous antibiotics for hospitalized patients





See also:
Erysipelas Overview

Erysipelas Pictures


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Erysipelas Overview
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