-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
cutaneous system
erysipelas
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition:
superficial cellulitis and skin infection, usually caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus; also known as "St. Anthony's fire"

etiology:
usually seen in infants, young children and the elderly; often follows URI, with infection spreading to the surface via small or unapparent breaks in the skin; may follow impetigo

signs and symptoms

signs and symptoms: usually the face is involved symmetrically, but the arms and legs may also be affected
• sudden onset: malaise, headache, vomiting, fever, chilliness
• itching over the area: within hours the area becomes reddened, and begins to spread; the infection reaches its largest extent by 3-6 days
• lesion: skin is warm, well-demarcated, shiny, swollen, painful; often vesicles and/or bullae appear, and leave a crust on the skin when they burst
• often presents as a butterfly rash on the central face
• HEENT lymphadenopathy


lab findings:
• positive culture of exudate
• occasional (+) blood culture

course and prognosis

Erysipelas may become recurrent due to chronic lymphatic obstruction. Fatalities are much less common, but may occur in infants, the elderly, and immunosuppressed patients. Recovery usually takes a week, depending on the severity of the infection and the host's health. Conventional treatment is systemic and topical antibiotics.

differential diagnosis

• herpes zoster
• allergic contact dermatitis
• SLE
• erysipeloid.
• angioneurotic edema


footnotes