Erysipelas. Close-up of a man's ear, inflamed and reddened by erysipelas following infection of the outer ear canal (otitis externa). Erysipelas is an acute infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue, usually of the face, caused by bacteria of the genus Streptococcus, which enter through a small wound or sore. In this case it occurred as a complication of otitis externa. The condition starts abruptly and causes fever, headaches and vomiting. Itchy red patches appear on the face and spread across the cheeks and nose, producing blistering pimples. Treatment is with penicillin drugs, which usually clear the infection within a week.