Infectious skin disease affecting the dermis, its most superficial layer. It is more frequent in people over 50 years of age, obese and diabetics.
It is caused by an infection by bacteria, generally of the group A streptococcus family, such as S. pyogenes, which enter the body through a wound or ulcer. Diseases such as immunosuppression, diabetes, alcoholism or smoking are considered risk factors.
It is characterized by red, shiny, raised, hard, painful plaques with well-defined borders, located on the face, hands and/or legs. They may be accompanied by high fever, chills and malaise. There is also a more severe form of erysipelas with blisters, called erysipelas bullosa, in which the plaques are accompanied by blisters with fluid inside.
The diagnosis is made clinically and differs from cellulitis in that the latter is deeper and more poorly delimited.
Treatment is based on the use of antibiotics such as penicillin or erythromycin for 10-14 days. Paracetamol will be added if there is a fever and anti-inflammatory drugs if accompanied by pain. Blisters can be treated with creams. In severe cases with necrosis, surgery may be necessary. The disease may recur and cause chronic lymphedema. Other complications include thrombophlebitis, abscesses and gangrene.
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