Erysipeloid

Erysipeloid is defined as an acute bacterial infection of traumatized skin and other organs. It is a type of dermatitis.

Rarely, a severe systemic form of erysipeloid may develop. This is where other organs are infected, such as the heart, brain, joints and lungs. Patients with systemic disease may experience symptoms such as chills, fever, headache, joint pain and weight loss. Skin lesions may or may not be apparent in patients with systemic erysipeloid.

Erysipeloid generally affects people in three ways. The most common and least severe form is localized cutaneous erysipeloid. Systemic symptoms are uncommon, and systemic spread is rare.

In most cases, healing occurs without treatment within 2 weeks. Penicillin G or a cephalosporin can shorten the time to healing.

There may be seen clearly defined bright red to purple lesions with smooth shiny surfaces. Lesions may be warm and tender and cause pain or burning. The lesions are usually seen on the hands, web of the fingers, forearms, etc.

All three forms of erysipeloid may be treated with penicillin. Patients allergic to penicillin may treated with a combination of erythromycin or rifampicin. Other drug of choices are tetracyclines or ciprofloxacin.

Prompt diagnosis and early treatment of the rare but severe systemic erysipeloid is essential to prevent serious or fatal complications.