Bacterial Skin Diseases: ERYSIPELAS (St. Anthony’s fire)
Bacterial Skin Diseases: ERYSIPELAS (St. Anthony’s fire)
An acute strep infection often induced by an open wound, erysipelas is now rare, since the advent of sulfa drugs and antibiotics, but is still occasionally seen among the elderly and the debilitated.
The Danger: The basic danger is septicemia (blood poisoning). Other serious complications are notably pneumonia, nephritis, and rheumatic fever.
Symptoms: The skin (most particularly the face) is painful and warm. The rash, which is raised, varies from dull red to scarlet with advancing margins. The most tender spots are immediately beyond the margins. The rash can also appear on the legs. Attendant symptoms are chills and a very high fever, with severe, intense, intermittent headaches plus nausea and vomiting as the body tries to fight off septicemia. The face can become badly swollen, often closing up the eyes. The lymph nodes also become swollen and painful.
Treatment: Oral penicillin is highly successful against this once very dangerous disease. A cold compress of magnesium sulphate is both therapeutic and soothing. Since erysipelas is highly infectious, proper care and sterilization of clothing are necessary.
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Pemphigus
Lichen Planus
Contact Dermatitis
HIVES (urticaria)
Psoriasis
