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.
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
