Erysipelas

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Erysipelas on the cheek

Erysipelas on the face

Antibiotics such as penicillin are used to eliminate the infection. In severe cases, antibiotics may need to be given through an IV (intravenous line).

Those who have repeated episodes of erysipelas may need long-term antibiotics.

With treatment, the outcome is good. It may take a few weeks for the skin to return to normal. Peeling is common.

In some patients, the bacteria may travel to the blood. This results in a condition called bacteremia. The infection may spread to the heart valves, joints, and bones.

Other complications include:

• Septic shock
• Recurrence of infection

Call your health care provider if you have a skin lesion that has features of erysipelas.

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.