Erysipelas Pictures - 54 Photos & Images
Erysipelas is a type of superficial cellulitis (see Cellulitis) with dermal lymphatic involvement. Erysipelas should not be confused with erysipeloid, a skin infection caused by Erysipelothrix. Erysipelas is characterized clinically by shiny, raised, indurated, and tender plaque-like lesions with distinct margins. There is also a bullous form of erysipelas. Erysipelas is most often caused by group A (or rarely group C or G) β-hemolytic streptococci and occurs most frequently on the legs and face. However, other causes have been reported, including Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, S. warneri, Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, and Moraxella sp. Erysipelas of the face must be differentiated from herpes zoster, angioedema, and contact dermatitis. It is commonly accompanied by high fever, chills, and malaise; MRSA is more common in facial erysipelas than in lower-extremity erysipelas. Erysipelas may be recurrent and may result in chronic lymphedema.
Diagnosis is by characteristic appearance; blood culture is done in toxic-appearing patients. Diffuse inflammatory carcinoma of the breast may also be mistaken for erysipelas.