What is erysipelas and is it contagious?

Written by Cui Lin Jing
Dermatology
Updated on October 31, 2024
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Erysipelas is an inflammation of the skin and lymphatic vessels caused by bacterial infection, commonly occurring in the summer and autumn seasons. It frequently occurs on the face and lower legs, with rhinitis and athlete's foot being the most common triggers. This is due to bacteria infecting the lymphatic vessels through minor wounds. Initially, the lesions are clearly defined, edematous, bright red patches with distinct edges, shiny surface, and increased skin temperature in the affected area. Occasionally, blisters or large blisters may appear, accompanied by spontaneous pain or tenderness and local lymph node enlargement. Erysipelas is not contagious and is quite sensitive to antibiotic treatment. The preferred treatment is penicillin for a duration of two weeks. Since erysipelas is prone to recurrence, it is crucial that the treatment course is sufficient.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Erysipelas is caused by what?

Erysipelas is an acute infectious skin disease caused by Group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The bacteria often invade the body through minor skin injuries, causing localized skin redness, swelling, and pain. Some patients also experience systemic symptoms such as fever and headache. Erysipelas commonly occurs on the face and lower legs. Erysipelas on the face is mostly caused by bacterial invasion due to bad habits such as otitis media, dental caries, and nose picking, while erysipelas on the lower legs is often caused by secondary infection from athlete's foot. People with low immune resistance are more prone to erysipelas, so it is crucial to use sensitive antibiotics in adequate amounts early in the treatment.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What causes erysipelas?

Erysipelas is an acute inflammation of the skin and reticular lymphatic vessels. The onset of erysipelas is due to hemolytic streptococci invading the skin and mucosal reticular lymphatic vessels through small wounds in the skin mucosa. Erysipelas commonly occurs on the lower limbs and face, progressing rather quickly, with seldom tissue necrosis, and a tendency for recurrent episodes. The local symptoms include patchy erythema, bright red color, lighter in the center, with clear and slightly raised edges.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can erysipelas be completely cured?

Erysipelas is curable. As a common skin disease, erysipelas is mainly caused by bacterial infection of the lymphatic vessels, leading to an inflammatory skin condition that requires timely anti-inflammatory treatment. Anti-inflammatory treatment involves killing the bacteria, and the duration of treatment must be sufficient to cure it completely. Moreover, erysipelas is recurrent, meaning if the erysipelas heals and then the body's immunity weakens again, it could potentially lead to reinfection by bacteria. Therefore, it is crucial to treat erysipelas promptly.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is erysipelas contagious?

Erysipelas is an acute inflammatory infection of the skin and lymphatic network, mainly caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection, commonly occurring in the lower limbs and face. Typically, it is not contagious by itself. In terms of treatment, patients should rest in bed, elevate the affected limb, and locally apply 50% magnesium sulfate solution for wet compresses, while using systemic antibacterial medications, such as intravenous penicillin drips. After local and systemic symptoms disappear, medication should continue for three to five days to prevent recurrence.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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erysipelas skin disease symptoms

Erysipelas is caused by hemolytic streptococcus. It commonly occurs on the dorsum of the foot, the lower leg, and the face, and is usually unilateral. The onset of the disease is generally acute, with typical skin symptoms mainly presenting as edematous erythema, with clear boundaries, tense and shiny surfaces. The skin lesions can rapidly expand outward, accompanied by various degrees of systemic toxic symptoms or lymph node enlargement. The condition often peaks within four to five days, and after subsiding, the affected skin areas may have mild pigmentation and desquamation.