Erysipelas (patient information)

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Erysipelas

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

When to seek urgent medical care?

Diagnosis

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Erysipelas?

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Prevention

Erysipelas On the Web

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Directions to Hospitals Treating Erysipelas

Risk calculators and risk factors for Erysipelas

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Luke Rusowicz-Orazem, B.S.

Overview

Erysipelas is a skin inflammatory disease that is caused by infection by streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria. It usually manifests with a painful, raised red rash that with distinct borders from normal skin. Symptoms can also include fever, chills, fatigue, headaches, and vomiting. It is important to diagnose and treat Erysipelas as soon as possible to prevent possibly life-threatening complications.

What are the symptoms of Erysipelas?

What causes Erysipelas?

Erysipelas is usually caused by group A streptococcus bacterial infection, but can also be caused by group B, C, and G streptococcus infection as well. Rarely, Erysipelas can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae infection.

Who is at highest risk?

Individuals displaying the following traits are at highest risk for developing Erysipelas:

Diagnosis

Erysipelas is usually diagnosed with a physical examination of the affected skin. Laboratory tests may be performed to confirm the exact cause of Erysipelas, including a swabbing for a culture analysis, to determine the best treatment regimen.

When to seek urgent medical care?

You should seek urgent medical care if you experience any of the symptoms indicative of Erysipelas. It is crucial to begin antibiotic treatment as soon as possible to relieve the current symptoms and prevent future spread of bacterial infection to avoid complications.

Treatment options

Treatment for Erysipelas includes antibiotics to target the bacterial infection and may include the following:

Diagnosis and assessment of cause and severity will determine your specific treatment regimen. You may be given pain relievers, such as tylenol, to manage symptoms.

Where to find medical care for Erysipelas?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Erysipelas

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

  • Without treatment, the prognosis of Erysipelas varies based on the development of complications from the infectious cause, some of which can be life-threatening.
  • With treatment, prognosis is good and full recovery is expected.

Possible complications

Possible complications of Erysipelas result from the spread of infection to the bloodstream, muscles, joints, and bones, as well as worsened symptoms of the skin:

Prevention of Erysipelas

Preventing Erysipelas includes avoiding skin cuts, abrasions, and ulcers. It includes maintaining a healthy weight and hygienic cautionary measures to avoid streptococcal infection, including staying healthy, washing hands frequently, and avoiding physical contact with streptococcus patients.

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000618.htm

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