Erysipelas: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Erysipelas | |||
| image = [[File:Facial_erysipelas.jpg|alt=Facial erysipelas]] | |||
| caption = Erysipelas on the face | |||
| field = [[Infectious disease]] | |||
| synonyms = St. Anthony's fire | |||
| symptoms = [[Fever]], [[chills]], [[fatigue (medical)|fatigue]], [[headache]], [[vomiting]], [[skin rash]] | |||
| complications = [[Abscess]], [[sepsis]], [[necrotizing fasciitis]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = Days to weeks | |||
| causes = [[Streptococcus pyogenes]] | |||
| risks = [[Lymphedema]], [[obesity]], [[diabetes mellitus]], [[alcoholism]], [[skin trauma]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[blood culture]] | |||
| differential = [[Cellulitis]], [[contact dermatitis]], [[herpes zoster]] | |||
| prevention = [[Good hygiene]], [[weight loss]], [[compression stockings]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antibiotics]] such as [[penicillin]] or [[erythromycin]] | |||
| medication = [[Penicillin]], [[erythromycin]], [[clindamycin]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|Acute infection of the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics}} | {{Short description|Acute infection of the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics}} | ||
'''Erysipelas''' is an acute bacterial infection of the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics, typically caused by ''[[Streptococcus pyogenes]]'', also known as group A streptococcus. It is characterized by a well-defined, raised, red area of skin that is often warm to the touch and painful. | '''Erysipelas''' is an acute bacterial infection of the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics, typically caused by ''[[Streptococcus pyogenes]]'', also known as group A streptococcus. It is characterized by a well-defined, raised, red area of skin that is often warm to the touch and painful. | ||
==Signs and symptoms== | ==Signs and symptoms== | ||
Erysipelas presents with a sudden onset of symptoms, including: | Erysipelas presents with a sudden onset of symptoms, including: | ||
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* Fever and chills | * Fever and chills | ||
* Swollen and tender [[lymph nodes]] | * Swollen and tender [[lymph nodes]] | ||
The infection most commonly affects the face and legs, but it can occur on any part of the body. | The infection most commonly affects the face and legs, but it can occur on any part of the body. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Erysipelas is primarily caused by ''Streptococcus pyogenes'', a bacterium that is part of the group A streptococci. The bacteria enter the skin through minor cuts, abrasions, or other breaks in the skin barrier. Risk factors for developing erysipelas include: | Erysipelas is primarily caused by ''Streptococcus pyogenes'', a bacterium that is part of the group A streptococci. The bacteria enter the skin through minor cuts, abrasions, or other breaks in the skin barrier. Risk factors for developing erysipelas include: | ||
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* [[Alcoholism]] | * [[Alcoholism]] | ||
* [[Immunocompromised]] states | * [[Immunocompromised]] states | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of erysipelas is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the skin and the rapid onset of symptoms. Laboratory tests are not usually necessary, but a [[complete blood count]] may show elevated white blood cells, indicating infection. In some cases, a [[blood culture]] may be performed to identify the causative organism. | Diagnosis of erysipelas is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the skin and the rapid onset of symptoms. Laboratory tests are not usually necessary, but a [[complete blood count]] may show elevated white blood cells, indicating infection. In some cases, a [[blood culture]] may be performed to identify the causative organism. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The mainstay of treatment for erysipelas is antibiotic therapy. [[Penicillin]] is the antibiotic of choice, given its effectiveness against ''Streptococcus pyogenes''. For patients allergic to penicillin, alternatives such as [[erythromycin]] or [[clindamycin]] may be used. In addition to antibiotics, supportive care includes: | The mainstay of treatment for erysipelas is antibiotic therapy. [[Penicillin]] is the antibiotic of choice, given its effectiveness against ''Streptococcus pyogenes''. For patients allergic to penicillin, alternatives such as [[erythromycin]] or [[clindamycin]] may be used. In addition to antibiotics, supportive care includes: | ||
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* Analgesics for pain relief | * Analgesics for pain relief | ||
* Hydration | * Hydration | ||
==Complications== | ==Complications== | ||
If left untreated, erysipelas can lead to complications such as: | If left untreated, erysipelas can lead to complications such as: | ||
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* [[Sepsis]] | * [[Sepsis]] | ||
* [[Thrombophlebitis]] | * [[Thrombophlebitis]] | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventive measures for erysipelas include: | Preventive measures for erysipelas include: | ||
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* Prompt treatment of skin injuries | * Prompt treatment of skin injuries | ||
* Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes and venous insufficiency | * Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes and venous insufficiency | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Cellulitis]] | * [[Cellulitis]] | ||
* [[Streptococcus pyogenes]] | * [[Streptococcus pyogenes]] | ||
* [[Lymphangitis]] | * [[Lymphangitis]] | ||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | [[Category:Infectious diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Bacterial diseases]] | [[Category:Bacterial diseases]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:34, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Erysipelas | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | St. Anthony's fire |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fever, chills, fatigue, headache, vomiting, skin rash |
| Complications | Abscess, sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Days to weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Streptococcus pyogenes |
| Risks | Lymphedema, obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, skin trauma |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, blood culture |
| Differential diagnosis | Cellulitis, contact dermatitis, herpes zoster |
| Prevention | Good hygiene, weight loss, compression stockings |
| Treatment | Antibiotics such as penicillin or erythromycin |
| Medication | Penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Acute infection of the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics
Erysipelas is an acute bacterial infection of the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics, typically caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus. It is characterized by a well-defined, raised, red area of skin that is often warm to the touch and painful.
Signs and symptoms[edit]
Erysipelas presents with a sudden onset of symptoms, including:
- Affected skin that appears red, swollen, and warm
- A well-demarcated, raised edge of the affected area
- Pain and tenderness in the affected area
- Fever and chills
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes
The infection most commonly affects the face and legs, but it can occur on any part of the body.
Causes[edit]
Erysipelas is primarily caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, a bacterium that is part of the group A streptococci. The bacteria enter the skin through minor cuts, abrasions, or other breaks in the skin barrier. Risk factors for developing erysipelas include:
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of erysipelas is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the skin and the rapid onset of symptoms. Laboratory tests are not usually necessary, but a complete blood count may show elevated white blood cells, indicating infection. In some cases, a blood culture may be performed to identify the causative organism.
Treatment[edit]
The mainstay of treatment for erysipelas is antibiotic therapy. Penicillin is the antibiotic of choice, given its effectiveness against Streptococcus pyogenes. For patients allergic to penicillin, alternatives such as erythromycin or clindamycin may be used. In addition to antibiotics, supportive care includes:
- Rest and elevation of the affected limb
- Analgesics for pain relief
- Hydration
Complications[edit]
If left untreated, erysipelas can lead to complications such as:
- Abscess formation
- Cellulitis
- Sepsis
- Thrombophlebitis
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures for erysipelas include:
- Maintaining good skin hygiene
- Prompt treatment of skin injuries
- Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes and venous insufficiency
