What should you know about erysipelas bacterial infection?

Erysipelas affects the upper skin and superficial lymphatic vessels. It often appears suddenly as a warm, tender, raised area with a clear edge; fever, chills, or feeling unwell may occur. Bacteria can enter through a small cut, cracked skin, ulcer, insect bite, or fungal infection between the toes. Athlete's foot can create that type of break in the skin. The redness may involve a limb or the face, and the affected area can expand.

Arrange same-day medical assessment when erysipelas is suspected. Marking the outer edge of redness with a pen and noting the time can help show whether it is spreading, but this does not replace treatment. Keep the area clean, avoid rubbing it, and rest the affected limb raised when comfortable. A clinician may prescribe antibiotics for skin infection and will choose the medicine and route according to the examination and your health history. Do not share or save leftover antibiotics.

Seek emergency care for confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty, severe pain, rapidly spreading redness, purple or black skin, blistering, or inability to keep fluids down. Urgent review is also needed when infection is near the eye, when fever is pronounced, or when symptoms worsen after treatment begins. Diabetes, reduced immunity, or poor circulation can make skin infections more serious and should be mentioned during assessment.

Where do you think the bacteria entered the skin? Which antibiotic do I need and how should I take it? How soon should redness or fever improve? Could athlete's foot or another skin break need treatment to reduce recurrence?