What Is Erysipelas?
2. Group A Streptococcus
The bacteria responsible for erysipelas is known as group A Streptococcus. This is actually a fairly common type of bacteria that is also responsible for another well known disease: strep throat. The bacterium is often found on your skin and, the vast majority of the time, it will cause no harm at all.
Your skin is usually an impenetrable barrier for most bacteria. If the skin is broken in some way, however, then it can provide an opportunity for the bacteria to get through. There are various ways in which the skin can be broken in a way that allows the bacteria to penetrate.
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