About this topic
Erysipelas is a skin infection that is caused by a bacteria. The bacteria enters your body from a cut, scrape, or open sore. This causes a painful, red, swollen patch on the skin. The infection may spread through your body and into your blood. This skin problem often starts on the face, arms, or legs. The skin should return to normal in a few weeks. Your skin may peel but that is normal as you heal. ‚
What are the causes?
Streptococci bacteria are the main cause of erysipelas. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Fever, chills, shakes, weakness
- Headache
- Joint or back pain
- Very red patches of skin with raised edges on the cheeks or bridge of nose
- Pain, swelling, warmth at the sore site
- Blisters
- Skin streaking
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will be able to decide if your problem is erysipelas by looking at the rash. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- If the infection is in your arm or leg, prop it on pillows to help with swelling.
- If you have skin blisters, ask your doctor what kind of dressings are best to use to keep the blisters clean and protected.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Abscess
- Blood clot in the leg
- Blood infection
- Gangrene where there is no blood flow to tissue and it dies
- Infection
- Damage to lymph node(s) that may cause swelling
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Use mild lotions or ointments to keep your skin moist.
- Keep from getting cuts and scrapes.
- If you see cuts or scrapes, make sure you clean them well with mild soap and water.
- Cover your skin when you are working or playing sports.
Where can I learn more?
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology ‚
http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/erysipelas.html ‚
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ‚
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/cellulitiserysipelas/Pages/default.aspx ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/757/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚