Erysipelas is best described as which of the following?

• A. Deep soft tissue infection
• B. Necrotizing infection
• C. Superficial cellulitis involving lymphatics
• D. Fungal infection of epidermis

Answer: (C)

Erysipelas is an acute infection of the upper dermis and the superficial lymphatics. This explains the classic presentation: a well-demarcated, raised, bright red plaque with warmth and tenderness, often accompanied by fever. Because it involves only the superficial skin layers and lymphatic channels, it is not a deep soft tissue infection, not necrotizing, and not a fungal infection of the epidermis. The pattern matches superficial cellulitis with lymphatic involvement, typically caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci.