More About
Cellulitis Infection

Erysipelas Pictures

What Is Erysipelas?

We can define erysipelas like an superficial infection of the skin,which ordinarly involve the lymphatic system. This type of infection is also known as St. Anthony's Fire. That is accurate description of the strenght and intesity of this rash. In some cases especially in infants, erysipelas was a feared disease in pre-antibiotic days.In most cases erysipelas is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus Group A. Other erysipelas cases may come from other bacteria types like Staphylococcus or other type of Streptococcus bacteria.

In the past decades this type of infection was found mainly on the face. Nowdays it is seen most commonly on the lower legs. Infection tends to occur in regions where the lymphatic system is obstructed.A cluster of signs and symptoms of erysipelas typically precede the appearance of the rash by 4-48 hours. main symptoms include fever,fatigue,chills,anorexia and vomiting. After some time the rash quickly appears as a bright red,hot,shiny,swollen patch that has clearly defined borders. This type of infection is diagnosed mainly by the appearance of the rash. Skin biopsies and blood tests generally do not help make the diagnosis. Erysipelas is treating with antibiotics , different antibiotics may be used including dicloxacillin, penicillin, cephalosporins, erytromycin and clidamycin. Usually oral treatment is enough to cure this type of skin infection. Medical researches has shown that recurrence is possible in range 18-30%.

Cellulitis and Erysipelas

As we already mentioned on this site cellulitis medical condition is a spreading bacterial infection of deep layer of skin and subcutaneous tissues. Usually causes local symptoms of inflammation, such as warmth, pain, erythema, lymphangitis, and frequently systemic upsetwith fever and raised white blood cell count. Erysipelas is a form of cellulitis and is characterised by pronounced superficial inflammation. The term erysipelas is commonly used when the face is affected. The lower limbs are by far the most common sites affected by cellulitis and erysipelas,but any area, such as the ears, trunk, fingers, and toes, can be affected.

Cellulitis infection symptoms and signs may include chills and fever, also swollen glands or lymph nodes. Patient's skin is red,tender and painful to touch on affected area. Also blister and then scab over are not rare.Perianal cellulitis is characterized with itching and painful bowel movements. In case of erysipelas fiery red rash with raised borders usually take place on legs,face or arms. Infected skin area is red,hot and have sharply defined raised areas. Recurrence of erysipelas infection is possible with symptoms such as chronic swelling of legs or hands (lymphedema).

Erysipelas and cellulitis infection can begin with minor skin trauma (cuts,bruise etc.). Also we can get these infections by wound or surgical cut which are usually placed on leg or arm. In time when the rash appears on patient's legs or arms, usually at the site of a surgical cut or wound. Even when individual has no symptoms of infection, he often carry bacteria on skin or in nose and considers as potential transmitter of disease to all others.
In diagnosing process doctor may take sample of skin culture to identify exact type of bacteria causing disease.Also blood test samples are not rare. Treatment is usually with antibiotics, which can be applied orally or IV depending on severity of infection.

Cellulitis Types