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Erysipelas - Anogenital in
See also in: Overview,Cellulitis DDx
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Erysipelas - Anogenital in

See also in: Overview,Cellulitis DDx
Contributors: Christopher Iriarte MD, Tara Mahar MD, Art Papier MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Erysipelas is a superficial bacterial infection of the skin most often caused by beta-hemolytic group A streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes). It frequently extends into the cutaneous lymphatics. Erysipelas can occur on the face but is more commonly seen on the lower extremities of patients with venous insufficiency and stasis dermatitis. Trauma to the skin is an important factor in the development of erysipelas; therefore, a concomitant dermatophyte infection, surgical incision, ulceration, insect bite, or inflammatory skin condition may provide a portal of entry for bacteria. Additional predisposing factors for erysipelas include alcohol use disorder, diabetes, immunocompromised states, and nephrotic syndrome.

Erysipelas appears as a strikingly red, well-demarcated plaque that often exhibits pruritus, tenderness, or burning paresthesias. Commonly involved areas are the face, extremities, and penis. Systemic symptoms including fever, chills, malaise, and arthralgia may accompany the condition. Penile erysipelas responds to treatment with antibiotics but tends to recur, causing a progressive chronic lymphedema with permanent swelling of the penis (elephantiasis). Elephantiasis may also develop in the lower extremities from recurring bouts of erysipelas.

Codes

ICD10CM:
A46 – Erysipelas

SNOMEDCT:
44653001 – Erysipelas

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Last Reviewed:11/12/2020
Last Updated:11/12/2020
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Erysipelas - Anogenital in
See also in: Overview,Cellulitis DDx
A medical illustration showing key findings of Erysipelas : Fever, Face, Lymphangitis, Painful skin lesions, Scrotum, Skin warm to touch, Blanching patch, WBC elevated, Malar distribution
Clinical image of Erysipelas - imageId=175775. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A close-up of a deeply erythematous, edematous, and vesiculated patterned plaque on the buttock.'
A close-up of a deeply erythematous, edematous, and vesiculated patterned plaque on the buttock.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.