Erysipelas is a superficial form of cellulitis, a potentially serious bacterial infection affecting the skin. Erysipelas affects the upper dermis and extends into the superficial cutaneous lymphatics. It is also known as St Anthony's fire due to the intense rash associated with it.

Understanding the Context

In animals, erysipelas is a disease caused by infection with the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. In animals, it is called diamond skin disease, and occurs especially in pigs. Learn what erysipelas is and how it is caused. Can it cause complications, or is it easily curable?

Key Insights

Find out here. Differentiating erysipelas from cellulitis is not always straightforward, so we believe that adding staphylococcal coverage is prudent in individuals who are ill enough to warrant parenteral therapy. Erysipelas - Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment from the Merck Manuals - Medical Consumer Version. Erysipelas is a bacterial skin infection characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. This article will explore the risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment options, and home care strategies for managing erysipelas.

Final Thoughts

Erysipelas is a type of superficial cellulitis with dermal lymphatic involvement. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is with oral or parenteral antibiotics. Unlike Necrotizing fasciitis and skin infections with purulent collections or exudates, bacteriology work-up (biopsy, blood culture, etc) generally does not yield results in erysipelas.