Emergency Medicine End of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Erysipelas is characterized by raised and well-demarcated areas of inflammation, often accompanied by streaks of lymphangitis. This infection, usually caused by Group A Streptococcus, typically presents with a clear margin between the affected skin and the surrounding healthy tissue, making it distinct from other skin infections. The classic appearance of erysipelas includes bright red, swollen skin that can be painful to the touch, sometimes featuring systemic symptoms such as fever and chills.

In comparison, cellulitis tends to have less defined borders and can spread more diffusely through the subcutaneous tissue, while folliculitis primarily affects hair follicles and manifests as small red bumps, often without significant swelling of the surrounding skin. Impetigo primarily presents with crusted lesions and is typically superficial, without the characteristic raised and well-defined edges seen in erysipelas. Therefore, the unique presentation of erysipelas supports its identification based on the description given in the question.