Erysipelas

Erysipelas is skin infection caused by streptococcal bacteria. It ranges from slightly visible rouges to very angry looking skin, meaning very red and hot. It may involve any part of the body, although it is more commonly seen on the face, the legs and the ears. It is usually associated with fevers and chills. It is most often seen in adults.

In contrast to cellulitis, where the border spreads diffusely, erysipelas leaves a very defined, sharp, sometimes raised border around the affected area. It is a more superficial skin infection than cellulitis.

Bacterial Skin Infections

Bacterial skin infections are very common both among adults and children, but the types of skin infections that predominate may vary with age. Furuncles, carbuncles and erysipelas are more common with adults, while cellulitis occurs more frequently with children.

It is not a pleasant thought, but millions of micro organisms, including bacteria and fungi, are living on your skin. They usually do no harm. They inhabit the skin in peaceful harmony with the host (you). But once you get a cut, scrape or an insect bite, these everyday bacteria may take the opportunity to invade the slightly deeper layers of the skin and cause an infection.

The most frequent bacteriae behind skin infections are Streptococci and Staphylococci. On the skin they cause folliculitis, cellulitis, bullous impetigo, erysipelas, furuncles and carbuncles. They can also cause infections elsewhere, in mucous membranes like in strep-throat, and deeper tissues, like in necrotizing faciitis, or what is more commonly referred to as "flesh-eating bacteria", which damages not only skin tissue but also muscle and fat. This is a very serious condition, and may lead to death within a few days. And Staphylococcus can cause illnesses such as meningitis and toxic shock syndrome.

How Infections Develop

Impetigo, cellulitis and erysipelas develops after the skin has been scratched or otherwise injured, opening the skin for invasion. Folliculitis develops when the bacteriae multiply in hair follicles anywhere on the body. Erysipelas typically develops when one has a runny nose caused by streptococci. The combination with streptococcal nasal discharge and a casual scratch is all it takes.

Two other types in the family of skin infections caused by staphylococci are the furuncle and the carbuncles. Furuncles and carbuncles can be seen on any area of the skin, just like the other skin infections mentioned above. The neck in the area of the shirt collar, or skin areas with hair-follicles that are irritated by pressure from belts or the persons body weight when sitting much, or anywhere where hair grows.

How to treat?

These skin infections are treated with topical or oral antibiotics. Carbuncles and furuncles are even treated by lancing them to evacuate the pus, thus making them more available to the healing effect of the orally and topically administered drugs and regimens.