Surgical erysipelas is a bacterial infection that affects the skin and the tissues underneath it. The word "surgical erysipelas" is pronounced /ˈsɜːdʒɪkəl ˌɛrɪsɪˈpiːləs/ and is spelled with a "g" in "surgical" and two "s's" in "erysipelas". The "g" in "surgical" is pronounced as a soft "g" sound, while the double "s" in "erysipelas" is pronounced as a voiceless "s" sound followed by a voiced "z" sound. The correct spelling and pronunciation are important for effective communication among healthcare professionals and patients.
Surgical erysipelas is a medical condition characterized by a rapidly spreading skin infection, primarily caused by the group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is a bacterial infection that affects the upper layers of the skin and the superficial lymphatic vessels, often occurring after surgical procedures or trauma to the skin.
The term "surgical erysipelas" combines two components - "surgical," indicating its association with a surgical intervention or injury, and "erysipelas," a specific type of skin infection. Erysipelas is a well-defined bacterial infection characterized by the presence of a red, painful, swollen, and warm rash on the skin. In surgical erysipelas, these symptoms appear in the area of surgical incisions or wounds.
The bacteria responsible for surgical erysipelas, Streptococcus pyogenes, commonly reside in the nose and throat, but may spread to the skin through direct contact or surgical procedures. The infection typically starts with a break in the skin, providing the bacteria an entry point. Once inside, the bacteria multiply rapidly, causing inflammation and the characteristic symptoms.
Treatment of surgical erysipelas typically involves antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection, along with other supportive measures such as elevation of the affected area, pain management, and wound care. Early treatment is crucial to prevent further complications, such as cellulitis, abscess formation, or systemic spread of the infection.
Overall, surgical erysipelas is a bacterial skin infection that develops as a result of surgical procedures or trauma, involving the rapid spread of group A Streptococcus bacteria causing inflammation, rashes, and discomfort in the affected area.
E. Caused by infection of the wound following a surgical operation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "surgical erysipelas" consists of two components: "surgical" and "erysipelas".
1. "Surgical": The word "surgical" originates from the Latin word "surgicalis", derived from "surgere", which means "to rise" or "to lift". The term refers to anything related to surgery or the treatment of diseases or injuries through operative methods.
2. "Erysipelas": The term "erysipelas" is derived from the Greek word "eruō", which means "to draw out", and "pella", meaning "skin". It came into English usage during the 14th century. Erysipelas is a bacterial infection that affects the skin, typically caused by Streptococcus bacteria. It is characterized by a red, swollen, and painful rash and can occur on the face or other parts of the body.