Erysipelas is a bacterial inflammation of the skin. The inflammation only affects the superficial skin and takes an acute, non-purulent course. It occurs mainly in adults. The most common sites of erysipelas are the leg and face (facial erysipelas).
Causes
Erysipelas is caused by small skin injuries, such as lacerations between the fingers. If this lesion is then colonized by bacteria, they can enter the lymphatic vessels from there and spread through them. In most cases, the bacteria causing the lesion are group A streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes).
These bacteria also occur naturally on our skin where they serve as a defence against other pathogens. Since the skin serves as a barrier, they do not lead to infection and are harmless. They can only enter the body in the presence of a skin lesion and then usually only lead to an infection in patients with a weakened immune system.
The infection can also occur via insect bites (see also Infected insect bite) or fungal infections. In most cases, the site of the lesion is located in the space between the fingers or toes. Patients with a weakened immune system or another underlying disease, such as AIDS patients, diabetics, alcoholics, patients with circulatory disorders or with disorders of lymphatic drainage are particularly susceptible to the development of erysipelas. Skin diseases such as neurodermatitis also favor the development. Furthermore, especially older people are affected by erysipelas.
Symptoms
In a very short time, within hours or a few days, a sharply defined, shiny, bright reddening of the skin occurs. The redness often appears flame-like, as the inflammation spreads along the lymphatic clefts. Since the reddening of the skin can resemble a rose blossom, the name erysipelas was created.
The inflamed skin area develops a feeling of tension with accompanying pain. In the further course of the disease, the redness becomes more blurred and paler. As the body works against the inflammation, further symptoms of the disease develop.
Sometimes the surrounding lymph nodes are also swollen, as they are part of the immune system, trying to eliminate the pathogen. The symptoms are often accompanied by high fever, chills, fatigue, palpitations, joint and headaches and nausea. Fever usually occurs when erysipelas first appears or larger areas of skin are affected by the inflammation. If a severe course of the disease occurs, small bleedings of the skin, blistering, as well as the formation of dead tissue may occur in addition.
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