Erysipeloid facts for kids

Erysipeloid is a mild skin infection caused by a tiny living thing called a bacterium. This specific bacterium is named Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. The infection mostly causes a mild skin rash and is quite rare. It is usually seen in people who handle raw fish or meat, like butchers or fishmongers.

What is Erysipeloid?

Erysipeloid is a type of skin infection. It is not very serious and usually gets better on its own. It is different from another skin condition called erysipelas, even though their names sound similar. Erysipeloid is known for causing a red, swollen patch on the skin, often on the hands or fingers.

What Causes Erysipeloid?

The cause of Erysipeloid is a specific type of bacterium called Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that can sometimes cause diseases. This particular bacterium is found in many animals, including pigs, turkeys, and fish.

How Do People Get Erysipeloid?

People usually get Erysipeloid when the Erysipelothrix bacterium enters their body through a small cut or scrape on the skin. This often happens when someone is handling raw meat or fish that carries the bacterium. For example, a butcher might get a small cut while preparing meat, and the bacteria can then get into the wound. It is not spread from person to person.

What Are the Symptoms of Erysipeloid?

The main symptom of Erysipeloid is a mild skin infection. This infection is a type of cellulitis, which means it affects the deeper layers of the skin.

• The skin often looks red or purplish.
• It might feel swollen and warm to the touch.
• The affected area can be painful or itchy.
• The rash usually has clear, raised edges.
• It most commonly appears on the hands or fingers, especially if that's where the cut occurred.
• Sometimes, people might also feel a bit feverish or have swollen lymph nodes nearby, but this is less common.

The symptoms usually appear a few days after the bacterium enters the skin. Because it is a mild disease, it often clears up by itself within a few weeks, even without special treatment. However, doctors can prescribe antibiotics to help it heal faster and prevent it from spreading.