Definition: An acute infection of the skin caused by species of STREPTOCOCCUS. This disease most frequently affects infants, young children, and the elderly. Characteristics include pink-to-red lesions that spread rapidly and are warm to the touch. The commonest site of involvement is the face.
Strep skin dis; do not confuse with ERYSIPELOID, caused by Erysipelothrix; do not confuse with SWINE ERYSIPELAS, also an Erysipelothrix infection