Erysipelas (;
Greek ἐρυσίπελας— "red skin"; also known as "ignis sacer", "holy fire", and "St. Anthony's fire" in some countries) is an
acute infection typically with a skin rash, usually on any of the legs and toes, face, arms, and fingers. It is an infection of the upper
dermis and superficial
lymphatics, usually caused by beta-hemolytic group A
Streptococcus bacteria on scratches or otherwise infected areas. Erysipelas is more superficial than
cellulitis, and is typically more raised and demarcated.