Erysipelas

Background

• Specific form of cellulitis involving the epidermis, upper levels of the dermis, and the lymphatics
• Most often caused by strep
• Bullous erysipelas, a more severe form of the disease, is often caused by staph (and MRSA)

Diagnosis

• Often accompanied by fever, chills, malaise, HA, vomiting
• Rash
  • Local redness, heat, swelling
  • Sharp raised and indurated border

Treatment

• Simple erysipelas
  • Penicillin G (300K U/d IM for <30 kg, 600K to 1 million U/d IM for >30 kg)
• Bullous erysipelas
  • Clindamycin OR trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

Source

• Tintinalli