Erysipelas
Description
An infection caused by the group A Streptococcus bacteria involving the skin. It can affect children and adults. A cut in the skin, lymph drainage problems, and skin ulcers increase the risk of infection. 20% of cases involve the face.
Symptoms
Fever and chills. The skin becomes blistered, red and swollen, and is warm to the touch and tender. The edges of the affected skin are raised, and the cheeks and bridge of the nose are commonly involved.
Tests
A history and physical will be done. The diagnosis is typically made from the appearance of the skin. Rarely a skin biopsy will be done.
- Skin biopsy
- CBC
Treatment
Therapy depends on the severity of illness. Some patients can be treated with oral antibiotics and as outpatients while others need close monitoring and intravenous medications. The medications commonly used include: penicillin, cephelexin (Keflex), azithromcin (Z-Pac), or erythromycin.
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- Infectious Disease Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
- Pediatrics
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