SudaMediCa, The Sudanese Medical Community

Erysipelas is a dermatologic condition, which involves the inoculation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue with streptococcal bacteria causing edema and bright red erythema of the affected areas. It is sometimes referred to as cellulitis.

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Clinical features
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● Lesions predominantly appear on lower limbs, but when it involves the face, it gives rise to a characteristic butterfly distribution on the cheeks and bridge of the nose
● Usually abrupt onset; can be distinguished from other forms of cellulitis by a sharply demarcated, raised border
● Causes upper dermal edema with blockage of the superficial lymphatics, causing the clinical “orange peel” or peau d’orange appearance of the affected skin and localized lymphadenopathy
● May be accompanied by constitutional symptoms of fever, chills, malaise
● Preexisting lymphedema is a known risk factor




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(Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Panonica Adriat 2009;18:63)