Erysipelas
a peculiar inflammation of the skin, spreading with great rapidity; the parts affected are of a deep red color, with a diffused swelling of the underlying cutaneous tissue and cellular membrane, and an indisposition to take on healthy action. Erysipelas is divided into: (1) Simple, where the skin only is affected; (2) Phlegmonous, where the cutaneous and areolar tissues are both attacked at the same time, going on to vesication, then yellowness, and death of the skin; death of the areolar tissue may follow, constituting malignant or gangrenous erysipelas; (3) Edematous, or sub-cutaneous, of a yellowish, dark brown, or red color, occurring about the eyelids, scrotum, or legs, usually in broken-down dropsical constitutions . The first is superficial and sthenic, the other forms more deep-seated and asthenic.
Some physicians speak highly of poultices of phytolacca leaves, while others recommend topical applications of some form of iron in tincture. The constitutional treatment is mainly restorative.