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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 
  • Skin sore with a sharp raised border. As the infection spreads, the skin is painful, very red, swollen, and warm skin blisters .

 

Exams and Tests

 

Erysipelas is diagnosed based on how the skin looks. A biopsy of the skin is usually not needed.

 

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)

 

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.

 
  • 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

    • 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

    Tests for Erysipelas

     

       

      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.

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