Erysipelas is an acute infection of the skin and underlying fat tissues usually caused by the streptococcus bacteria.
Causes
Erysipelas is usually caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. The condition may affect both children and adults.
Risk factors include:
Symptoms
Antibiotics such as penicillin are used to get rid of the infection. In severe cases, antibiotics may need to be given through an IV (intravenous line).
People who have repeated episodes of erysipelas may need long-term antibiotics.
Possible Complications
The bacteria may travel to the blood in some cases. This results in a condition called bacteremia. The infection may spread to the heart valves, joints, and bones.
Other complications include:
Keep your skin healthy by avoiding dry skin and preventing cuts and scrapes. This may reduce the risk for erysipelas.
References
Bisno AL, Stevens DL. Streptococcus pyogenes. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 198.
Causes
Erysipelas is usually caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. The condition may affect both children and adults.
Risk factors include:
- A cut in the skin
- Problems with drainage through the veins or lymph system
- Skin sores (ulcers)
Symptoms
- Blisters
- Fever, shaking, and chills
- Painful, very red, swollen, and warm skin underneath the sore (lesion)
- Skin lesion with a raised border
- Sores (erysipelas lesions) on the cheeks and bridge of the nose
Antibiotics such as penicillin are used to get rid of the infection. In severe cases, antibiotics may need to be given through an IV (intravenous line).
People who have repeated episodes of erysipelas may need long-term antibiotics.
Possible Complications
The bacteria may travel to the blood in some cases. This results in a condition called bacteremia. The infection may spread to the heart valves, joints, and bones.
Other complications include:
- Return of infection
- Septic shock
- When to Contact a Medical Professional
Keep your skin healthy by avoiding dry skin and preventing cuts and scrapes. This may reduce the risk for erysipelas.
References
Bisno AL, Stevens DL. Streptococcus pyogenes. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 198.
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