Mimickers of erysipelas and cellulitis: A narrative review.

Abstract

A diffuse erythematous, edematous tender swelling with a distinct border and local rise in temperature suggest a morphological diagnosis of erysipelas-like eruption. While cellulitis and pseudocellulitis have an ill defined tender erythematous plaque. Erysipelas, and cellulitis are not a straightforward diagnosis as multiple cutaneous eruptions mimic erysipelas. It is important to have comprehensive knowledge about the different causes of erysipelas-like eruptions and pseudocellulitis to reach a diagnosis and treat appropriately. Many infectious diseases such as histoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, dermatophytosis, and infusion of chemotherapeutic agents result in erysipelas-like eruptions and pseudocellulitis. Malignancy-related dermatoses such as carcinoma erysipeloides, erysipeloides melanomatosum, and inflammatory dermatoses such as sweet syndrome, well syndrome, and Crohn's disease present as erysipelas-like eruption.