What is erysipelas?
Erysipelas is an infection of the superficial layer of the skin, usually caused by a bacterium called beta-hemolytic streptococcus (Streptcoccus pyogenes) and causes red, inflamed and warm areas of skin with a slightly raised and well-defined border.
It occurs most often in the legs (about 80% of cases), although it can appear in other parts of the body, such as the face or arms.
What are the symptoms of the infection?
The symptoms of erysipelas are:
- red spots on the skin
- blisters (vesicles) on the skin
- high fever
- Chills
- pain associated with skin lesions
What are the causes of erysipelas?
Erysipelas occurs when the bacteria colonizes (enters) the body through cuts or wounds on the skin, but it is important to note that erysipelas is not contagious.
What is the incubation period of erysipelas?
There is no exact incubation period for erysipelas, although it can occur from 1 to 5 days.
What are the complications of the infection?
If the infection is not treated properly or there are other risk factors, it can lead to complications such as:
- accumulation of pus that forms inside the tissues (skin abscesses)
- obstruction of the veins (deep vein thrombosis)
- spread of infection to other organs and tissues
- Deep wounds
What are the risk factors for erysipelas?
There are some factors that can contribute to increasing the risk of developing this infection, namely:
- previous history of erysipelas, with reinfection
- skin problems, such as eczema and skin ulcers
- athlete's foot and mycoses/fungal infections
- presence of varicose veins
- heart failure
- weakened immune system (immunocompromised)
- obesity
- alcoholism
- Diabetes mellitus
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Is it possible to prevent erysipelas?
Yes, it is possible to minimize the risk. To prevent erysipelas it is essential to:
- Properly treat wounds and fungal lesions on the skin
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle with a good diet
- Good hygiene habits
- Weight reduction
If you have already been diagnosed with erysipelas, you should comply with the treatment within the indicated time, because if you do not do so, there is a risk of the disease reappearing (the risk is about 60% in case of non-compliance with the treatment).
How is the disease diagnosed?
Generally, the diagnosis of erysipelas is made by observing the skin and the signs and symptoms described by the patient.
Blood tests may be performed to assess the severity or progression of the disease. Imaging (imaging) tests may be needed to rule out other diseases.
Is erysipelas curable?
Yes. It is possible to cure erysipelas, and to do this, you should consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible to start treatment and prevent the infection from developing further complications. It is important to follow the treatment as directed to avoid reinfection.
Is erysipelas reinfection common?
It can happen in cases of non-compliance with the established treatment or in the presence of other factors that lead to the lack of effectiveness of the prescribed drugs (this ineffectiveness usually occurs because there are other bacteria or chronic diseases).
If reinfection occurs, the patient should see a healthcare professional again to reassess the infection.
What is the treatment for erysipelas?
Usually, treatment is based on taking specific antibiotics for the causative bacteria, but the source of the infection (the bacteria's entry point) must also be treated to avoid reinfection.
Source: Directorate-General for Health (DGS)