Erysipelas

From greek.doctor
  • Special type of cellulitis caused by strep pyogenes
  • Epidemiology
    • Children
    • Poor circulation
      • Stasis
    • Diabetics
    • Chronic oedema
  • Spreads by superficial lymph vessels
  • Clinical features
    • On lower limbs – 80%
    • On face – rarely
    • Large erythema, irregular borders
    • Tender
    • Rapidly advancing borders
    • Oedema
    • Warm
    • Fever
  • Site of entry needs to be located
    • Ulcers
    • Interdigital lesion
    • Fungal infections
  • Treatment
    • Antibiotics
      • Primary: Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (in Norway: penicillin G)
      • Secondary: Ciprofloxacin and clindamycin
      • Tertiary: Ceftriaxone and metronidazole
    • Bed rest
    • Icing
    • Compression
    • Elevation
  • Complications
    • Necrotizing fasciitis
    • Sepsis
    • Residual erysipelas