Erysipelas
Contagious infection of the facial skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and marked by rapid-spreading redness and swelling, which is believed to enter the skin through a small lesion. While this disease is contagious, it does not produce huge epidemics like those of SCARLET FEVER.
Before the advent of antibiotics, this disease could be fatal, especially for infants and the elderly. Today it is quickly controlled with prompt treatment.
Symptoms
After a five- to seven-day incubation period, the patient experiences a sudden high fever with headache, malaise, and vomiting. The skin feels tight, uncomfortable, itchy and red, with patches appearing most often on the face, spreading across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. It also occurs on the scalp, genitals, hands, and legs. Within the inflammation, pimples appear, blister, burst, and crust over.
Treatment
Penicillin-class antibiotics will cure the infection within seven days. Bed rest, hot packs, and aspirin for pain and fever may also help.
