RT Book, Section A1 Hardin, J. Matthew A2 Knoop, Kevin J. A2 Stack, Lawrence B. A2 Storrow, Alan B. A2 Thurman, R. Jason SR Print(0) ID 1181043827 T1 Erysipelas T2 The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e YR 2021 FD 2021 PB McGraw-Hill PP New York, NY SN 9781260134940 LK accessemergencymedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1181043827 RD 2024/10/09 AB Erysipelas is a group A streptococcal cellulitis (groups G, B, C, and D can be implicated as well as other bacteria causing an erysipelas-like infection) involving the skin; the infection is more superficial than cellulitis. The most affected sites are the face and the lower extremities. Sudden onset of fever, chills, and malaise is followed by the appearance of an erythematous, edematous, and painful plaque. The characteristic border is sharp and elevated. This nonpitting edematous plaque is different from typical cellulitis due to dilation of the superficial lymphatics. Regional lymphadenopathy and lymphangitis may be present. Patients with chronic lymphedema are prone to repeated infections.