What is Erysipelas
Erysipelas is an infection that affects the skin and the tissues that are near the surface of the skin. It causes the skin to become red, swollen, and painful.
The infection is most common on the legs but may also affect other areas, such as the face. With treatment, the infection usually goes away in a few days. If not treated, the infection can spread or lead to other problems, such as abscesses.
What are the causes?
Erysipelas is caused by bacteria. Most often, it is caused by bacteria called streptococci. The bacteria often enter through a break in the skin, such as a cut, surgical incision, burn, insect bite, open sore, or crack in the skin. Sometimes the source where the bacteria entered is not known.
What increases the risk?
Some people are at an increased risk for developing erysipelas, including:
- Young children.
- Elderly people.
- People with a weakened body defense system (immune system), such as people with HIV or AIDS.
- People who have diabetes.
- People who drink too much alcohol.
- People who have had recent surgery.
- People with yeast infections of the skin.
- People who have swollen legs.
What are the signs or symptoms?
The infection causes a reddened area on the skin. This reddened area may:
- Be painful and swollen.
- Have a distinct border around it.
- Feel itchy and hot.
- Develop blisters.
Other symptoms may include:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Swollen glands (lymph nodes).
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
How is this diagnosed?
Your health care provider will take your medical history and do a physical exam. He or she will usually be able to diagnose erysipelas by closely examining your skin.
How is this treated?
Erysipelas can usually be treated effectively with antibiotic medicines. The infection usually gets better within a few days of treatment.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
- Take your antibiotic medicine as directed by your health care provider. Finish the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
- If the skin infection is on your leg or arm, elevate the leg or arm to help reduce swelling.
- Do notput creams or lotions on the affected area of your skin unless your health care provider instructs you to do that.
- Do notshare bedding, towels, or washcloths (linens) with other people. Using only your own linens will help to prevent the infection from spreading to others.
- Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have pain or discomfort that is not controlled by medicines.
- Your red area of skin gets larger or turns dark in color.
- Your skin infection returns in the same area or appears in another area.
Get help right away if:
- Your fever is getting worse.
- Your feelings of illness are getting worse.
- You notice red streaks coming from the infected area.
