History
Erysipeloid may present in humans as 1 of 3 clinical forms.
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Localized cutaneous form (also known as erysipeloid of Rosenbach); vesicles or bullae may develop [16]
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Diffuse cutaneous form
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Generalized or systemic infection as evidenced by bacteremia: Endocarditis may or may not develop. [17]
In the first 2 forms of erysipeloid, patients may be asymptomatic or present with local burning, pruritus, or pain at lesion sites. They may or may not have fever, malaise, and other constitutional symptoms.
In the generalized form, patients present with fever, chills, weight loss, and a variety of other symptoms (eg, joint pain, cough, headache), depending on the organ system involved.
Physical Examination
Localized form of erysipeloid
Lesions most commonly affect the back of the hands, mainly the webs of the fingers; however, any exposed area of the body may be affected. Lesions consist of well-demarcated, bright red-to-purple plaques with a smooth, shiny surface. Lesions are warm and tender and spread in a centrifugal manner. They leave a brownish discoloration on the skin when resolving. Sometimes vesicles may be present. [18] See the images below.
Erysipeloid. Courtesy of DermNet New Zealand (http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/erysipeloid/) and the Waikato District Health Board (http://www.waikatodhb.health.nz/).
Erysipeloid. Courtesy of DermNet New Zealand (http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/erysipeloid/) and the Waikato District Health Board (http://www.waikatodhb.health.nz/).
Diffuse cutaneous form of erysipeloid
Multiple lesions appear on various parts of the body. Lesions are well-demarcated, violaceous plaques with an advancing border and central clearing. Patients commonly have systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, and arthralgias. Blood cultures are negative. [19]
Systemic form of erysipeloid
Also referred to as septic erysipeloid, skin lesions may not be apparent in this form. If present, skin lesions appear as localized areas of swelling surrounding a necrotic center. Skin lesions also may present as several follicular, erythematous papules. Endocarditis is the most common, but still rare, manifestation of systemic erysipeloid. [20] Hepatic failure, renal failure, cerebral infarcts, osseous necrosis, meningitis, encephalitis, and arthritis have been reported. [19]
Complications
Complications may include the following:
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Permanent neurological damage (eg, cerebrovascular accident)
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Endocarditis with long-term valvular heart disease
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Septic arthritis with long-term joint diseases
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Erysipeloid. Courtesy of DermNet New Zealand (http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/erysipeloid/) and the Waikato District Health Board (http://www.waikatodhb.health.nz/).
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Erysipeloid. Courtesy of DermNet New Zealand (http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/erysipeloid/) and the Waikato District Health Board (http://www.waikatodhb.health.nz/).
