What is the difference between erysipelas and cellulitis?

Condition analysis:
Cellulitis is a diffuseinflammation of connective tissue with severe inflammation of dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin. Cellulitis can be caused by normal skin flora or by exogenous bacteria, and often occurs where the skin has previously been broken: cracks in the skin, cuts, blisters, burns, insect bites, surgical wounds, or sites of intravenous catheter insertion. Skin on the face or lower legs are most commonly affected by this infection, though cellulitis can occur on any part of the body. The mainstay of therapy remains treatment with appropriate antibiotics. Erysipelas is the term used for a more superficial infection of the dermis and upper subcutaneous layer that presents clinically with a well defined edge. Erysipelas and cellulitis often coexist, so it is often difficult to make a distinction between the two.

Instructions:
1. Home care
General measures include rest, and elevation of any affected limbs higher than the rest of your body to reduce swelling. You’ll want to drink plenty of fluids, and it’s important that you move around from time to time. This may continue for several days before the swelling goes away.

2. Medication
Antibiotics are the most common treatment for erysipelas. You will take the medications for about a week. However, more serious cases are generally treated at the hospital, where antibiotics may be given intravenously. Older adults and young children might also require treatments in hospital. Other medication may be given to reduce pain and fever, or anti-fungal medication for those with athlete’s foot.

3. Surgery
In rare cases of erysipelas that have progressed rapidly and caused healthy tissue to die, a surgical operation may be needed to cut away the dead tissue.