Cellulitis vs Erysipelas

Presentation

Treatment and Prevention

Appearance: It presents as a swollen, red area of the skin that feels warm and tender to the touch. The affected area may also be painful or sore.

Location: While cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, it most commonly affects the lower extremities, particularly the legs.

Symptoms: Other symptoms may include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and in some cases, blisters or skin dimpling.

Cellulitis requires prompt medical attention and treatment with antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection. Depending on the severity of the infection, antibiotics may be taken orally(e.g amoxicillin, erythromycin) or administered intravenously(e.g vancomycin, piperacillin/tazobactam). In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary, especially if the infection is severe or if there are underlying health conditions that increase the risk of complications. Preventive measures include keeping the skin clean and well-moisturized, promptly treating any wounds, practicing good hygiene, and taking precautions to prevent recurrent infections in individuals with a history of cellulitis.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis vs Erysipelas

Erysipelas

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin and the underlying tissue. It is typically caused by bacteria, most commonly Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus, entering the skin through a cut, wound, or crack in the skin's surface.

Erysipelas is a type of bacterial skin infection that primarily affects the upper layers of the skin, including the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics. It is usually caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, commonly known as group A Streptococcus.

Appearance: Cellulitis typically presents as a swollen, red area of the skin that feels warm and tender to the touch. The borders of the redness are often less distinct than those of erysipelas. In contrast, erysipelas is characterized by a raised, well-defined, fiery red rash with sharply demarcated borders.

Affected Skin Layers: Cellulitis affects the deeper layers of the skin and the underlying tissue, such as the dermis and subcutaneous fat. Erysipelas, on the other hand, primarily involves the upper layers of the skin, including the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics.

Causative Bacteria: The most common causative bacteria for cellulitis are Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus, although other bacteria can also be responsible. Erysipelas is predominantly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus), although other streptococcal species can also cause it.

Treatment and Prevention

Presentation

Cellulitis vs Erysipelas

Appearance: It is characterized by a raised, well-defined, fiery red rash with sharply demarcated borders. The affected area of skin may also feel warm, tender, and swollen.

Location: Erysipelas typically affects the face, arms, or legs, but it can occur on other parts of the body as well.

Symptoms: Other symptoms may include fever, chills, enlarged and tender lymph nodes, and occasionally blisters or skin dimpling.

Prompt medical attention is necessary for erysipelas, and treatment usually involves antibiotics to eradicate the bacterial infection. Oral antibiotics(e.g cefadroxil, clarithromycin) are often effective for mild cases, while more severe cases may require intravenous antibiotics(e.g cefazolin, clindamycin). Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases or if complications arise. Preventive measures for erysipelas include keeping the skin clean and well-moisturized, promptly treating any wounds, practicing good hygiene, and taking precautions to prevent recurrent infections in individuals with a history of erysipelas.

Understanding the Differences

By: Joel Onuka