If you develop cellulitis or erysipelas, you are going to need oral or intravenous antibiotics. No one wants these ugly conditions, so it is best to do anything to avoid these skin problems.

Both cellulitis and erysipelas can start with a very minor problem like a bruise. They could also start at a burn, wound, or surgical cut. A rash results and normally an arm or leg is affected. It is even possible to have no symptoms yet carry the germs on the skin's surface and in nasal passages.

Cellulitis is an inflammation of the skin and the tissues below the skin. The most common symptoms of cellulitis are fever and chills as well as swollen glands and lymph nodes. The overall appearance of the skin is red and tender. This leads to plenty of pain. Blistering and scabs are also likely. Perianal cellulitis can also add very uncomfortable bowel movements to the list of discomforts.

Fire-like red rashes with raised edges on the face, arms, and legs characterize erysipelas. The skin becomes hot to the touch with many raised areas. Chronic swelling of arms and legs, also known as lymphedema, can also occur.

To determine the causal bacteria, samples are taken from the lesions or the blood. Depending on the bacteria type, a particular course of antibiotics is recommended. In most cases of cellulitis and erysipelas, group A strep germs are the root cause.