Erysipelas: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Erysipelas?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, or a primary care doctor often treats erysipelas, a skin infection. For severe or repeated cases, an infectious disease doctor, who treats infections, may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is erysipelas?
Erysipelas is a type of skin infection. It affects the outermost layer of the skin and the nearby lymph nodes, which are small glands that help fight infection. It causes a bright red rash with raised edges. The edges are easy to tell apart from the skin around the rash. The affected skin may feel warm to the touch.
Symptoms
Erysipelas often starts as a tender, red spot. The spot quickly turns bright red and shiny, with a spreading, raised border. Symptoms may include:
- Fever and chills.
- A skin sore with a sharp raised border.
- Skin that is painful, very red, swollen, and warm as the infection spreads.
- Blisters on the skin.
- Headache, nausea, and a general feeling of being unwell.
The infection occurs on the legs or arms most of the time. It may also occur on the face and trunk.
Causes and who gets it
Erysipelas is usually caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, often called strep. It may affect both children and adults. It is most common in infants, young children, and older adults.
The infection often begins with minor skin damage, such as a bruise, burn, wound, or cut. Some conditions can lead to erysipelas:
- A cut in the skin.
- Problems with drainage through the veins or lymph system.
- Skin sores, also called ulcers.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors diagnose erysipelas by how the skin looks. A biopsy, which means removing a small piece of skin to test, is usually not needed. Other skin tests are usually not needed either.
Treatment
Doctors use antibiotics, which are medicines that kill bacteria, to get rid of the infection. If the infection is severe, antibiotics may need to be given through an intravenous (IV) line, which is a small tube placed in a vein. People who have repeated episodes may benefit from long-term antibiotics.
With treatment, the outcome is good. It may take a few weeks for the skin to return to normal. Peeling is common as the skin heals.
Sometimes the bacteria travel to the blood, a problem called bacteremia. The infection may then spread to the heart valves, joints, and bones. Other complications include the infection coming back and septic shock, a dangerous body-wide infection.
During treatment, raising the infected area higher than your heart can reduce swelling. Keeping your skin healthy may lower your risk. Avoid dry skin and prevent cuts and scrapes.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor right away if you have a red, painful skin sore or other symptoms of erysipelas. Also contact your doctor right away if, while you are being treated, you develop a fever that does not go away, blisters over the area, or red streaks that spread.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, fainting or loss of consciousness, or a sudden change in mental status such as confusion.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can look at a skin sore, start an evaluation, and follow your recovery. They can also refer you to a skin or infection specialist if needed.
Common questions
Is erysipelas serious?
It can be serious, but with treatment the outcome is good. Sometimes the bacteria travel to the blood and spread to the heart valves, joints, and bones.
What causes erysipelas?
Erysipelas is usually caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. A cut in the skin, skin sores, or problems with drainage through the veins or lymph system can lead to it.
How is erysipelas treated?
Doctors treat erysipelas with antibiotics, which are medicines that kill bacteria. Severe infections may need antibiotics through an IV line.
Can erysipelas come back?
Yes, the infection can come back. People who have repeated episodes may benefit from long-term antibiotics.
Where does erysipelas show up on the body?
Erysipelas shows up on the legs or arms most of the time. It may also occur on the face and trunk.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Erysipelas
- National Organization for Rare Disorders - Erysipelas
- MedlinePlus - Cellulitis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
