Erysipelas Overview
Learn About Erysipelas
Erysipelas is a type of skin infection. It affects the outermost layer of the skin and the local lymph nodes.
Strep infection - erysipelas; Streptococcal infection - erysipelas; Cellulitis - erysipelas
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)
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. Blisters on the skin can form.
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 benefit from long-term antibiotics.
Straub Clinic And Hospital
Stephen Arnold is an Internal Medicine provider in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dr. Arnold and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Erysipelas. His top areas of expertise are Bullae, Emphysema, Vertigo, and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).
Straub Clinic And Hospital
Katherine Williams is an Internal Medicine provider in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dr. Williams and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Erysipelas. Her top areas of expertise are Dementia, Lung Metastases, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).
Straub Clinic And Hospital
Joji Kohjima is a Family Medicine provider in Mililani, Hawaii. Dr. Kohjima has been practicing medicine for over 9 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Erysipelas. His top areas of expertise are St. Anthony's Fire, Erysipelas, Syphilis, and Knock Knees. Dr. Kohjima is currently accepting new patients.
With treatment, the outcome is good. It may take a few weeks for the skin to return to normal. Peeling is common as the skin heals.
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)
Contact your health care provider if you have a skin sore or other symptoms of erysipelas.
Keep your skin healthy by avoiding dry skin and preventing cuts and scrapes. This may reduce the risk for erysipelas.
Summary: Many elderly patients with uncomplicated treatment courses are admitted unnecessarily, which is a burden for the patient and society. Studies show that Hospital at Home (HaH) treatment is an alternative to hospitalization. The patient's risk of delirium, infection and loss of function is reduced when the patient avoids the hospital stay. HaH treatment is expected to be more cost-effective, improve...
Summary: Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive disease of the lymphatic vessels which affects about 300 million people worldwide. Patients may experience recurrent soft tissue infection of the limb affected by lymphedema, in terms of erysipelas, lymphangitis or cellulitis. No previous study has ever investigated the possible role of the gut microbiota in the genesis of acute infectious/inflammatory episo...
Published Date: October 13, 2024
Published By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Dinulos JGH. Bacterial infections. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 9.
McLarney RM, Sommer LL, Reboli AC, Heymann WR. Bacterial diseases. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 74.