Medicines for Erysipelas

What it is

Erysipelas is a bacterial infection of the skin, closely related to cellulitis, that affects the upper layers of the skin and the surface lymphatic vessels. It is usually caused by streptococcus bacteria, which enter through a break in the skin (such as a cut, graze, insect bite, or a skin condition like athlete's foot or eczema). It causes an area of skin that becomes red or discoloured, swollen, warm, and painful or tender, and — a feature that helps distinguish it from ordinary cellulitis — the affected area is typically raised, firm, and has a clearly defined, sharp border between the affected and normal skin. It most commonly affects the legs and the face. It often comes on quite quickly and may be accompanied by feeling generally unwell, with fever, chills, and shivering. Erysipelas is more common in certain people, including those with skin breaks, leg swelling, or reduced immunity. It is a treatable infection, but, like cellulitis, it needs prompt treatment with antibiotics, because untreated it can spread and, occasionally, cause more serious problems.

How it is treated

Erysipelas is treated with antibiotics, which are usually effective, and prompt treatment is important. For many people, antibiotic tablets and supportive care are sufficient, and the infection improves over several days. Supportive measures help: resting and, if a leg is affected, elevating it to reduce swelling; simple pain relief; and staying hydrated. Marking the edge of the affected area can help track whether it is responding to treatment. More severe infection, involvement of the face, being very unwell, or not responding to tablets may require antibiotics given into a vein, sometimes in hospital. Importantly, treating any underlying cause or entry point for the bacteria — such as athlete's foot, a skin wound, eczema, or leg swelling — helps the infection settle and reduces the chance of it coming back, as erysipelas (like cellulitis) can recur, particularly in people with ongoing skin breaks or leg swelling; in those with recurrent episodes, preventive measures and sometimes long-term preventive antibiotics are considered. The reassuring message is that erysipelas is a treatable bacterial skin infection that usually responds well to antibiotics, and that treating the entry point and any underlying factors helps prevent it recurring.