Erysipelas

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

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Erysipelas on the cheek Erysipelas on the face

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Erysipelas

The cornerstone of therapy is treatment with antibiotics such as penicillin, which are active against streptococci. Depending on the severity, intravenous antibiotics may be used. In less severe cases, oral antibiotics may be sufficient. In individuals who have recurrent erysipelas, long-term antibiotics may be required.

If appropriate antibiotic therapy is given early, the outcome is favorable. Skin changes may take up to a few weeks to normalize and peeling is common.

In some patients, streptococci may travel to the blood (bacteremia) and additional sites may be involved such as heart valves, joints, and bones.

• If bacteremia is present, infection may spread to other areas such as joints, bones, and heart valves.
• Septic shock
• Recurrence of infection

Call your health care provider if you have a skin lesion that has features of erysipelas.

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