Erysipelas

Alternative names:

cellulitis - streptococcal; facial infection; infection - face

Definition:

An acute inflammation of the connective tissues of the skin, usually on the face, caused by infection with streptococcus bacteria.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Erysipelas is a severe form of cellulitis in which the infection is caused by streptococcus (strep) or occasionally with staphylococcus (staph), both of which are normal skin bacteria. Erysipelas is uncommon, affecting 1 out of 10,000 people.

The skin normally has many types of bacteria on it, but intact skin is an effective barrier that keeps bacteria from entering and growing within the body. When there is a break in the skin, bacteria can enter the body and grow there, causing inflammation and infection.

The inflammation of erysipelas occurs most commonly on the cheeks. The infection is characterized by systemic illness, pain, and a fever. A bright red spot appears, often near the tip of the nose. It quickly spreads to the cheeks and tends to enlarge rapidly. It may follow a respiratory infection such as a cold, when the nose may become raw or chapped.