Overview
Definition
Erysipelas is an infection of the skin involving the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics.
Epidemiology
- Exact incidence is unknown.
- Most commonly affects young children and elderly adults.
- Lower extremities are most common site of involvement, followed by the face.
- 29% of patients recur within 3 years.
Etiology
- Most common agent:
- Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (S. pyogenes)
- Less common agents:
- Staphylococcus aureus (in cases of bullous erysipelas)
- Group B Streptococcus (in neonates)
- Risk factors:
- History of minor skin trauma
- Lymphedema
- Arteriovenous insufficiency
- Immunodeficiency
- History of recent mastectomy, pelvic surgery, or bypass (impaired lymphatic drainage)
- Animal bites, including insects and dogs
- Underlying dermatological conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or cutaneous lupus
- Diabetes mellitus
Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentation
Pathophysiology
- Bacteria enter disrupted skin barrier (e.g., ulcer, blister, dog bite).
- Invasion of the upper dermis produces erythema and local swelling of the skin (edema).
- Spread of bacterial agent and inflammatory cytokines via superficial lymphatic vessels.
- Unlike cellulitis:
- Does not penetrate deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue
- Always non-purulent
Clinical presentation
- Acute onset
- Usually associated and may be preceded with systemic symptoms:
- High fever and chills
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- General malaise
- Commonly involves legs, hands (unilateral), and face
- Erythema:
- Sharply demarcated
- Raised advancing border sometimes with central clearing
- “Butterfly sign” on the face
- “Milian’s ear sign”: ear erysipelas
- “Peau d’orange” appearance: dimpling of the skin due to edema around hair follicles
- Edema
- Warmth
- Tenderness
- Lymphangitis: red streaking radiating from the lesion
- Regional lymphadenopathy
- More severe presentations:
- Cutaneous hemorrhage, petechiae and necrosis
- Vesicles, blisters, and bullae (Staphylococcal toxin has been implicated)
Facial erysipelas
Image: “Facial erysipelas” by Dr. Thomas F. Sellers. License: Public DomainFacial erysipelas presenting as an erythematous and edematous plaque covering the cheeks and nose
Image: “Erysipelas-associated glomerulonephritis; a diagnostic puzzle” by Journal of Nephropharmacology. License: CC BY 4.0Erysipelas of the ear
Image: “Erysipel2” by Klaus D. Peter. License: CC BY 3.0Erysipelas associated with the lymphedema or the upper extremity
Image: “Bilateral atrophic squirrhus of breast in neglected breast cancer: case report” by Louati D, Trigui K, Abid D, Kammoun S, Dermech M, Chaabane K, Amouri H. License: CC BY 2.0
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosis
History:
- Local skin trauma:
- Scratches
- Needle pricks
- Animal bites
- Underlying medical conditions and immune deficiencies
- History of prior skin infections
- Recent soft-tissue surgeries
Physical exam:
- Characteristic well-demarcated erythematous plaques
- Lymphadenopathy
- Fever
Laboratory studies:
- Not necessary in uncomplicated cases.
- Elevated white blood cell count
- Inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein) may be elevated.
Imaging:
- Not necessary, if the diagnosis is clear
- Soft tissue ultrasound: can rule out abscess and deeper infection
- Computerized tomography (CT) with IV contrast/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): to rule out another process
Cultures:
- Blood and wound cultures are not routinely indicated.
- Blood cultures for severe systemic symptoms/sepsis.
- Wound cultures:
- In immunocompromised patients, if an unlikely organism is possible.
- In recurrent infections
Management
Uncomplicated cases:
- Oral antibiotics for 5–14 days:
- Oral penicillin (amoxicillin)
- Cephalosporin (if allergic to penicillin)
- Clindamycin
- Elevation of affected extremity to reduce swelling
- Cold compresses
- Symptomatic fever and pain management
Cases requiring hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics:
- Severe presentation: bullae/blistering, skin necrosis, signs of sepsis
- Elderly
- Infants
- Immune compromise/poorly controlled diabetes
- Failure to improve with oral antibiotics
- IV antibiotics:
- Need to have Streptococcal and Staphylococcal coverage
- Cefazolin, ceftriaxone, or clindamycin
Surgical debridement: may be required for severe cases with skin necrosis
Related videos
Differential Diagnosis
- Cellulitis: is a common and painful bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Presents as an erythematous, edematous area that feels warm and tender to touch. This condition is caused most commonly by S. aureus and S. pyogenes. Diagnosis is usually clinical and management is antibiotics based on suspected organisms.
- Necrotizing fasciitis: a rapidly progressive infection resulting in extensive necrosis of subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and muscle. Most commonly caused by group A Streptococcus but often involves other types of bacteria in a mixed infection. Presents with necrosis, crepitus, bullae, and purple skin discoloration. Management is emergent surgical debridement with broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- Dermatitis: a general term for an edematous skin rash. This condition is caused by an infection or an allergic reaction, usually not by bacteria. Management is with antihistamines and topical steroids.
- Folliculitis: a localized inflammation of the hair follicle or sebaceous glands primarily caused by S. aureus. Presents as erythema, papules, pustules, and tenderness of the affected area.
- Impetigo: a highly contagious skin infection of the upper epidermis. This condition is caused by S. aureus or group A streptococci. Presents with an erythematous area covered in small vesicles, pustules, and/or honey-colored crusts. Management is with antibiotics.
- Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome: a blistering skin disorder caused by a local infection usually due to S. aureus. Presents with fever and diffuse, tender erythema, intraepidermal blisters, and sloughing off of the superficial layer of skin, leaving a red “scalded” appearance. Management involves IV antibiotics.
References
- Davis L.S. (2020). Erysipelas. Retrieved January 30, 2021, from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1052445-overview
- Kaplan, S. (2020). Suspected Staphylococcus aureus and streptococcal skin and soft tissue infections in children >28 days: Evaluation and management. Retrieved January 21, 2021, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/suspected-staphylococcus-aureus-and-streptococcal-skin-and-soft-tissue-infections-in-children-greater-than28-days-evaluation-and-management
- Klotz, C., Courjon, J., Michelangeli, C., Demonchy, E., Ruimy, R., & Roger, P. M. (2019). Adherence to antibiotic guidelines for erysipelas or cellulitis is associated with a favorable outcome. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases. 38(4). 703–709. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-019-03490-6
- Spelman D., Baddour L.M. (2020). Cellulitis and skin abscess in adults: Treatment. Retrieved January 30, 2021, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cellulitis-and-skin-abscess-in-adults-treatment
- Spelman D., Baddour L.M. (2020). Cellulitis and skin abscess: Epidemiology, microbiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. Retrieved January 30, 2021, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cellulitis-and-skin-abscess-epidemiology-microbiology-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis
- Stevens, D. L., Bisno, A. L., Chambers, H. F., Dellinger, E. P., Goldstein, E. J., Gorbach, S. L., … & Wade, J. C. (2014). Infectious Diseases Society of America. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 59(2). 147–159. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciu444
- Rath E, Skrede S, Mylvaganam H, Bruun T. (2018). Aetiology and clinical features of facial cellulitis: a prospective study. Infect Dis (Lond). 50(1). 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1080/23744235.2017.1354130