[What data is needed today to deal with erysipelas?]

Erysipelas are common dermo-hypodermal infections. In spite of that, different questions are not clearly resolved. To improve our knowledge of this infection, it is important to have epidemiological, microbiological and diagnostical data. The current data are summarized in this article after a bibliographic research. The epidemiology has changed, with an increase of the number of erysipelas of the leg whereas face localization is less frequent. Some facilitating factors can be individualized, like circulatory insufficiency of the legs. There are only few data concerning pathophysiology. The diagnosis is mainly made on clinical symptoms. There is no specific diagnostic test. The bacteria that cause erysipelas is rarely isolated in clinical practice. The group A Streptococcus is the most frequent bacteria in erysipelas. It is important for physicians, to have a better knowledge of this infection, so that the efficacy of the treatment can be improved.