Is erysipelas contagious?

Erysipelas develops when bacteria get through a break in the skin and spread in the superficial skin and lymphatic channels. The break may be tiny, such as a crack, scratch, insect bite, ulcer, or toe-web fissure. The condition itself is generally not passed from one person to another through ordinary conversation, sharing a room, or intact skin. Athlete's Foot can damage the skin barrier and may be relevant when infections recur. A clinician should still confirm the diagnosis because several rashes can look red and inflamed.

Cover draining areas with a clean dressing, wash your hands after touching the affected skin, and do not share towels, razors, clothing, or dressings until the area is dry and healed. Wash reusable fabrics regularly. Keep cuts clean and protect them from further rubbing. Do not squeeze blisters or use leftover antibiotics. Once a clinician has prescribed treatment, follow the directions carefully; Antibiotics For Skin Infection explains the general role of these medicines without replacing personal advice.

Get same-day medical advice for a new, spreading, hot, painful red patch or for fever, chills, or swollen glands. Seek emergency help for confusion, faintness, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, rapidly worsening pain, or purple skin. Extra caution is needed when the affected area is near the eye, when there is diabetes or immune suppression, or when limb swelling is present. Contact the prescriber if the redness continues to expand after treatment begins.

Do I need to cover the area, and for how long? Is there a crack, ulcer, or foot rash that should also be treated? When can I return to close contact, work, exercise, or shared facilities?