Erysipelas

Some common symptoms of erysipelas include: 

• Red, shiny patches on the skin that have a very clear boundary
• Fever
• Chills
• Raised patches of swollen skin (Read more: Skin rash)
• Pain in the affected area
• A general feeling of being unwell

Erysipelas is often caused by Group A streptococcus bacteria. It is the same bacteria which causes strep throat. Under normal circumstances, these bacteria live on the surface of the skin without causing any harm. However, when the streptococcus enters the skin through cuts or sores, it may result in erysipelas.

It also becomes possible for the microbes to enter the skin through surgical wounds or animal/ insect bites. People who are above the age of 60 and young children between the ages of two and four years are more susceptible to the condition. However, anyone with compromised immunity or a weak immune system can get erysipelas. Other causes include:

• Psoriasis
• Obesity
• Alcoholism
• Athlete’s foot 
• Other fungal infections
• Eczema
• Impetigo (a skin condition that typically affects children)
• Injecting hard drugs like heroin (Read more: Drug abuse: symptoms, causes, treatment)
• Swelling in legs due to conditions such as heart failure
• Improper functioning of veins and lymphatic system
• Poor circulation
• Diabetes

In most cases, diagnosis of erysipelas is done by the doctor in the first instance through a physical examination. The doctor is likely to ask you about your symptoms, medical history—particularly information about injuries or surgeries may help him/her confirm the diagnosis. Most often, further testing is not needed, except in case of systemic infections, in which case a blood test may be ordered.

To limit the chance of any further complication, it is important to treat the infection right away. In most cases of erysipelas, oral antibiotics that often contain penicillin are given for 7-14 days. In more severe cases, antibiotics may be given intravenously.

In very rare cases where the disease has progressed rapidly, the healthy tissues die. To remove this dead tissue, a surgical operation may be needed.

Erysipelas gets better in a week for most people. The condition can be prevented by keeping the skin clean and moisturized, especially in case of wounds or conditions such as eczema. In some people, erysipelas may keep coming back. This will require long term antibiotic treatment to prevent any further complications.