Erysipelas Research Paper

Erysipelas is a bacterial infection in the upper layer of the skin. It is most similar with another skin infection called Cellulitis. Erysipelas is usually caused by group A Streptococcus and most often occurs on the face and legs. Erysipelas can also be caused by a cut in the skin, problems with drainage through the lymphatic system, or skin ulcers. Erysipelas can affect both children and adults. A few symptoms of Erysipelas are fever, chills, red, swollen, and painful area of skin with a raised edge, or blisters on the affected area. Erysipelas occurs when Group A Streptococcus bacteria penetrates the outer barrier of your skin. Group A Streptococcus bacteria normally live on your skin and other surfaces harmless. However, they typically typically enter your skin through a break in the skin.
Erysipelas may also occur when the bacteria spreads to the nasal passages which can lead to an infection to the nose and throat.Other causes of Erysipelas include insect bites, swollen legs due to health problems, or the injection of illegal drugs. Young children between the ages of two and six and adults over the age of sixty are more likely to contract Erysipelas. The diagnosis of Erysipelas is simple. Your doctor can typically diagnose Erysipelas through a physical examination and through questioning you about symptoms you are experiencing. Erysipelas can usually be treated at home. But, depending on the severity of your condition may have to be treated at the hospital by medication or in some cases surgery. If your case is severe enough to need hospitalization, you will most likely be treated with intravenous medications. Surgery would only be an option if the infection were causing your healthy skin cells to