Erysipelas

Erysipelas is a skin infection due to group A streptococci with acute onset. Fever, headache and vomiting are common symptoms. This condition particularly affects the very young, the very old and the immunosuppressed.

The erythematous skin lesion enlarges rapidly and has a sharply demarcated raised edge. Vesicles and bullae appear and later rupture, leaving crusts behind.

Treatment is with penicillin.

Er`y*sip"e*las (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. ; red + hide, skin. See Red, and Pell, n.] Med.

St. Anthony's fire; a febrile disease accompanied with a diffused inflammation of the skin, which, starting usually from a single point, spreads gradually over its surface. It is usually regarded as contagious, and often occurs epidemically.

© Webster 1913.