erysipelas /(ĕr`ĭ*sĭp"ē̇*las)/

er·y·sip·e·las

erysipelas

n.
  1. St. Anthony's fire; a febrile disease accompanied with a diffused red edematous inflammation of the skin, which, starting usually from a single point, spreads gradually over its surface. It is often accompanied by severe constitutional symptoms. It is caused by a group A hemolytic streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), is contagious, and formerly often occured epidemically. (Med.)