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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
12:23
Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Blistering erysipelas: not a rare entity
1Dermatology Unit, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608. feiyon@yahoo.com
Singapore Medical Journal
|October 24, 2008
Summary
Blistering erysipelas, a common skin infection, often presents without pain and resolves with antibiotics. Key risk factors include skin barrier disruption and venous insufficiency.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Soft tissue infections are prevalent, yet erysipelas, particularly its blistering form, remains under-recognized.
- Limited case reports exist for blistering erysipelas, highlighting a need for further clinical description.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical presentation of erysipelas, focusing on blistering variants.
- To identify management strategies and predisposing risk factors for erysipelas in a tertiary hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 20 patients diagnosed with erysipelas by dermatologists.
- Data collected from Singapore General Hospital between January 2006 and August 2006.
- Analysis of clinical characteristics, causative agents, predisposing factors, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- The study included 20 patients (average age 62.2 years); legs were the most common site (75%).
- Erysipelas commonly presented with erythema (100%), edema (85%), and bullae/vesicles (80%), often without pain (40%).
- Skin barrier disruption (65%) and venous insufficiency (20%) were primary risk factors; antibiotics led to complete resolution.
Conclusions:
- Erysipelas is a distinct clinical entity, frequently presenting with bullae or vesicles.
- The condition has a favorable prognosis with prompt and appropriate antibiotic therapy.
- Early recognition and management are crucial for preventing complications.
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