Erysipelas, an acute inflammatory episode, is a streptococci infection that appears on the skin. This infection travels quickly through the lymphatic system and symptoms can increase in severity within hours. Seek medical advice immediately if you consider you might have contracted Erysipelas.
Acute febrile disease with localised inflammation and redness of the skin and subcutaneous tissue accompanied by systemic disturbance.
Signs and symptoms can vary, however the most common two are a shiny red rash that can have small vesicles appear and is tender to touch, or flu-like symptoms with a high fever, chills and malais.
Orthodox treatment is antibiotics.
Erysipelas may be recurrent and may result in chronic lymphoedema. Apart from discomfort of infection, there is likely to be lasting damage to the already compromised lymphatic system.
In cases of lymphoedema it is important to protect the body against infection, particulary the affected body part. Refer to the " Care Instructions List ".
