erysipelas
Erysipelas () is a relatively common bacterial infection of the superficial layer of the skin (upper dermis), extending to the superficial lymphatic vessels within the skin, characterized by a raised, well-defined, tender, bright-red rash, typically on the face or legs, but which can occur anywhere on the skin. It is a form of cellulitis and is potentially serious.
AI overview
Erysipelas is a bacterial infection that affects the upper layers of the skin, typically appearing as a raised, bright-red, and tender rash most often on the face or legs. While relatively common, it's a potentially serious condition that requires attention because it can spread to lymphatic vessels beneath the skin.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
- Medical condition (new).name
- Erysipelas
- Medical condition (new).synonyms
- Ignis sacer, holy fire, St. Anthony's fire
- Medical condition (new).image
- Facial erysipelas.jpg
- Medical condition (new).caption
- Erysipelas of the face due to invasive Streptococcus
- Medical condition (new).field
- Dermatology, infectious disease
via Wikipedia infobox
Research
3,180 papersvia PubMed
Article
12 sectionsContents
- Signs and symptoms
- Cause
- Diagnosis
- Differentiating from cellulitis
- Treatment
- Prognosis
- Epidemiology
- Preventive measures
- Notable cases
- History
- References
- External links
Erysipelas () is a relatively common bacterial infection of the superficial layer of the skin (upper dermis), extending to the superficial lymphatic vessels within the skin, characterized by a raised, well-defined, tender, bright-red rash, typically on the face or legs, but which can occur anywhere on the skin. It is a form of cellulitis and is potentially serious.
Erysipelas is usually caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A, β-hemolytic streptococci, which enters the body through a break in the skin, such as a scratch or an insect bite. It is more superficial than cellulitis and is typically more raised and demarcated. The term comes from the Greek ἐρυσίπελας (erysípelas), meaning red skin.