Erysipelas

Antoniusfeuer, n. St. Anthony s fire (erysipelas). Antonskraut, n. willow herb (Chamaenerion angusti/olium). 

Rot-kali, n. red prussiate of potash (potassium ferricyanide). -kiefer,/. red pine, -klee, m. red clover, -kohl, m. red cabbage, -kohle, /. red charcoal, -kupfer, -kupfererz, n. red copper, red copper ore (cuprite), -lauf, m. erysipelas. 

Erysipelas is a superficial infection of the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics. It is distinguished clinically from cellulitis by its well-defined borders and slightly raised lesions. It is usually caused by [1-hemolytic streptococci and treated with penicillin. 

Cellulitis and erysipelas are bacterial infections of the skin. Although separate entities, there is some clinical difficulty in distinguishing the two. 0 Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, whereas erysipelas is a more superficial infection of the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics. Although both can occur on any part of the body, about 90% of infections involve the leg.8,9 Another 7.5% of cases involve the arm or face. Erysipelas is most common in the young and the elderly. Typically, both infections develop after a break in skin integrity, resulting from trauma, surgery, ulceration, burns, tinea infection, or other skin disorder. 

Etiologic microorganisms vary according to the area involved, host factors, and exposures. In otherwise healthy adults, S. aureus and GAS are the most common causative bacteria. GAS is the causative pathogen in approximatey 65% of erysipelas cases.9 0Persons who are immunocompromised, have vascular insufficiency, or use injection drugs are at risk for polymicrobial cellulitis.3... 

The manifestations of and diagnostic criteria for erysipelas and cellulitis are presented in Table 70-2. Once diagnosed, cellulitis is grouped into uncomplicated or complicated presentations depending on patient characteristics and severity of... 

The infected area is described as painful or tender. In the case of erysipelas, the patient may complain of "burning pain" at the lesion site. 

Both erysipelas and cellulitis are manifested by rapidly spreading areas of redness, edema, and heat. Vesicles containing clear fluid may appear on the skin. Lymphangitis and regional lymphadenopathy may be observed. 

Important clinical differences between erysipelas and cellulitis exist ... 

In erysipelas, low-grade fever and flulike illness are common prior to development of the lesion. The lesion is fiery red, raised above the level of surrounding skin, and has well-defined borders. 

The goals of therapy for cellulitis and erysipelas are rapid and successful eradication of the infection and prevention of related complications. 

I Penicillin is the treatment of choice for erysipelas. In uncomplicated cases, a 5-day course is as effective as a 10-day course.3 Other agents that are acceptable for treatment include clindamycin, erythromycin, cephalexin, and dicloxacillin. 

Alterative. Alteratives increase blood flow to the tissues, improving metabolism and detoxification. Elder s alterative action helps to improve many skin afflictions including boils, eczema, acne and erysipelas. Elder improves the secretions involved with many bodily functions. Parts used flowers, berries, young shoots. 

Vulnerary. Elder is an effective remedy for relieving hemorrhoids when applied topically as a salve. Elder has been used to treat erysipelas, an acute inflammation caused by strep bacteria that erupts on the skin. Elder has also served humankind well in applications for bums, cuts and wounds. It can also be used as a sore throat gargle or for inflamed gums and mouth tissue. Parts used flowers, berries, leaves. 

It is far superior to any other known remedy for the cure of all diseases arising from impurities of the blood, such as Scrofula, Rheumatism, Cancerous Humors, Erysipelas, Canker, Salt Rheum and Skin Disease. ... 

Skin sensitization ELISA test for batch potency testing of erysipelas vaccines EU... 

Suggested Alternatives for Differential Diagnosis Hog cholera, salmonellosis, erysipelas, Glasser s disease, erysipelas, septicemic salmonellosis, pasteurellosis, Haemophilus suis infection, Streptococcus suis infection, eperythrozoonosis, porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, pseudorabies, coumarin poisoning, and salt poisoning. 

Bacterial infections of the skin can be classified as primary or secondary (Table 47-1). Primary bacterial infections are usually caused by a single bacterial species and involve areas of generally healthy skin (e.g., impetigo, erysipelas). Secondary infections, however, develop in areas of previously damaged skin and are frequently polymicrobic. 

Erysipelas (Saint Anthony s fire) is an infection of the superficial layers of the skin and cutaneous lymphatics. The infection is almost always caused by /3-hemolytic streptococci, with S. pyogenes (Group A streptococci) responsible for most infections. 

The lower extremities are the most common sites for erysipelas. Patients often experience flu-like symptoms (fever and malaise) prior to the appearance of the lesions. The infected area is painful, often a burning pain. Erysipelas lesions are bright red and edematous with lymphatic streaking and clearly demarcated raised margins. Leukocytosis is common, and C-reactive protein is generally elevated. 

Mild to moderate cases of erysipelas in adults are treated with intramuscular procaine penidUin G or penicillin VK. For more serious infections, aqueous penicillin G, 2 million to 8 million units daily, should be administered IV. Penicillin-allergic patients can be treated with clindamycin or erythromycin. 

Other infectious diseases, such as pneumonia, typhoid fever, and erysipelas, may cause delirium, often associated with high fever. The temperature rise (fever) itself alters brain metabolism by affecting different enzyme systems differently. In addition toxic substances produced by infective agents may directly affect metabolic processes. 

Coley WB. The treatment of malignant tumors by repeated inoculations of erysipelas. With a report of ten original cases. Am J Med Sci 1983 105 487-511. 

A) Moderately severe to severe tonsillitis, erysipelas, scarlet fever, upper respiratory tract, and skin and soft tissue infections... 

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