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:

• Return of infection
• Septic shock

Call your health care provider if you have a skin sore (lesion) that looks like erysipelas.

Review Date: 10/04/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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