Erysipelas

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Erysipelas on the cheek

Erysipelas on the face

Erysipelas is a type of cellulitis (skin infection) generally caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria.

Erysipelas may affect both children and adults. The risk factors associated with this infection include a cut in the skin, skin ulcers, and problems with the drainage through the veins or lymph system.

In the past, the face was most commonly involved site of infection, yet now accounts for only up to 20% of cases. The legs are affected in up to 80% of cases.

Review Date: 10/09/2006
Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.