Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Erysipelas
Erysipelas
Erysipelas is an infection that affects the skin and tissues 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 collections of pus (abscesses).
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by bacteria. Most often, it is caused by bacteria called streptococci.
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A cut or scrape.
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An incision from surgery.
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A burn.
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An insect bite.
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An open sore.
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A crack in the skin.
Sometimes, it is not known how the bacteria infected the skin.
What increases the risk?
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Are a young child.
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Are an older adult.
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Have a weakened disease-fighting system (immune system), such as having HIV or AIDS.
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Have diabetes.
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Drink a lot of alcohol.
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Had recent surgery.
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Have a yeast infection of the skin.
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Have swollen legs.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Be painful and swollen.
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Have a clear border around it.
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Feel itchy and hot.
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Develop blisters or abscesses.
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Fever.
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Chills.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Swollen glands (lymph nodes), such as in the neck.
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Headache.
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Feeling tired (fatigue).
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Loss of appetite.
How is this diagnosed?
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A physical exam. Your health care provider will examine your skin closely.
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Your symptoms and medical history.
How is this treated?
This condition is treated with antibiotic medicine. Symptoms usually get better within a few days after starting antibiotics.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
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Take other over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Take your antibiotic medicine as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if your condition starts to improve.
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Ask your health care provider if it is safe for you to take medicines for pain as needed, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
General instructions
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If the affected area is on an arm or leg, raise (elevate) the affected arm or leg above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.
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Do not put any creams or lotions on the affected area of your skin unless your health care provider tells you to do that.
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Do not share bedding, towels, or washcloths (linens) with other people. Use only your own linens to prevent the infection from spreading to others.
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Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your wound. Make sure you:
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Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after you change your bandage (dressing). If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
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Change your dressing as told by your health care provider.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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Your symptoms do not improve within 1–2 days of starting treatment.
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You develop new symptoms.
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You have a fever.
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You feel generally sick (malaise) with muscle aches and pains.
Get help right away if:
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Your symptoms get worse.
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You develop vomiting or diarrhea that does not go away.
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Your red area gets larger or turns dark in color.
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You notice red streaks coming from the infected area.
Summary
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Erysipelas is an infection affecting the skin and tissues near the surface of the skin. It causes the skin to become red, swollen, and painful.
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This condition is caused by bacteria. Most often, it is caused by bacteria called streptococci.
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Bacteria may enter through a break in the skin. Sometimes, it is not known how the bacteria infected the skin.
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This condition is treated with antibiotic medicine. Symptoms usually get better within a few days after starting antibiotics.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
