Erysipelas is nothing but common type of skin infection called cellulitis. Streptococcal bacteria cause this infection and are more prone in children than adults. Unlike cellulitis which may infect on any part of the body, erysipelas occurs only on the legs and face.
Causes :
Erysipelas is caused by Group A strep bacteria and people having cut or injury in the skin are under high risk of getting this infection. It also infects individuals with problems in vein or lymph nodes and those with ulcers or other skin disorders. The infection is widely seen on the face, legs and arms.
Symptoms :
Initial symptoms are fever, chills and fatigue which are followed by formation of bumps on the skin. The blisters would be red in color and the area of the skin becomes swollen and warm. The bumps appear with distinct red margin and raised border. They appear on the face, cheeks and in particular on the nose. The face will be filled with dark spots of lesions or blisters. The rashes would be red and shiny in nature.
It is marked by the butterfly rashes on the face (cheeks and bridge of the nose) and the lesions look blood red in color. There would be pain and inflammation and on noticing such rashes one should visit the hospital without any delay. For some people fever is accompanied with headaches and body pain and the lymph nodes become enlarged and swollen.