What is erysipelas caused by?
Erysipelas is an infection of the upper layers of the skin (superficial). The most common cause is group A streptococcal bacteria, especially Streptococcus pyogenes. Erysipelas results in a fiery red rash with raised edges that can easily be distinguished from the skin around it.
How can erysipelas be treated?
Treat erysipelas with oral penicillin or, in penicillin-allergic patients, erythromycin; in severe cases, use parenteral penicillin or, in penicillin-allergic patients, ceftriaxone or cefazolin.
Is erysipelas curable?
Erysipelas is curable. Signs of a fever and illness associated with erysipelas will often disappear within a few days of starting treatment, although the skin infection can take weeks to clear up. There is no scarring. About one third of those who receive treatment for erysipelas develop the condition again.
How long does cellulitis take to heal?
Treatment for cellulitis It’s important to keep taking antibiotics until they’re finished, even when you feel better. Most people make a full recovery after 7 to 10 days. If cellulitis is severe, you might be referred to hospital for treatment.
How long does erysipelas last?
Without treatment, the infection usually disappears in 2–3 weeks. With treatment, symptoms should disappear within 10 days. In most cases, there will not be any scars, although the skin may be discolored.
What is erysipelas and what causes it?
Erysipelas is a skin infection. It is a form of cellulitis, but unlike cellulitis, which affects deeper tissue, erysipelas only affects the upper layers of the skin.
What is the difference between cellulitis and erysipelas?
Erysipelas is a superficial form of cellulitis, a potentially serious bacterial infection affecting the skin. Erysipelas affects the upper dermis and extends into the superficial cutaneous lymphatics. It is also known as St Anthony’s fire due to the intense rash associated with it.
What does erysipelas look like on the face?
Erysipelas predominantly affects the skin of the lower limbs, but when it involves the face, it can have a characteristic butterfly distribution on the cheeks and across the bridge of the nose. The affected skin has a very sharp, raised border. It is bright red, firm and swollen. It may be finely dimpled (like an orange skin).
Erysipelas is curable. Signs of a fever and illness associated with erysipelas will often disappear within a few days of starting treatment, although the skin infection can take weeks to clear up. There is no scarring. About one third of those who receive treatment for erysipelas develop the condition again.