What is Erysipelas?

Erysipelas is a bacterial infection of the skin which rapidly spreads to the deeper tissues and caused many deaths before the advent of penicillin and the knowledge of necessary ordinary hygiene. Now it is serious but very rarely fatal. Erysipelas is spread by direct contact, and is seen in those between 40 and 60 years of age often during spring or autumn. Alcoholics are prone to the disease.