Erysipelas | Medtick
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Erysipelas

What is it?

A form of cellulitis that can be an ongoing condition.

  • It mainly affects people with a weak immune system including the very young and elderly.

Diagnosis tests

  • Clinical examination
  • Blood test
  • Skin/swab test
  • PCR tests
  • Imaging tests i.e. Ultrasound, CT/MRI scans to detect deep and serious infections

Cause

  • Bacteria: Haemolytic streptococci

Symptoms

  • Butterfly swollen rash on nose, cheeks and face?
  • Well defined bordered, dimpled rash, orange in colour?
  • Bleeding and bruising in the skin?
  • Purpura (purple patches) rash?
  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
  • Pain and warm skin?
  • Night sweats?
  • General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
  • Dry cough longer than three weeks or breathing difficulties?
  • Rapid heartbeat, swollen ankles and/or fingers?
  • Swollen fingers and toes (Osler nodes)?
  • Bleeding into skin on palms and sole of feet (Janeway lesions)?
  • Joint pain and stiffness?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

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