[Leg discoloration]

[The conspicuous leg]

Symptoms of the leg or of both legs, may indicate a need for evaluation and/or treatment, which must be clarified urgently or even as an emergency situation. Among the diseases which must be considered from a vascular viewpoint are critical limb ischemia, suspicion of deep leg vein thrombosis and special forms of venous insufficiency. With respect to infections erysipelas and the syndrome of infected diabetic foot must be considered as well as peripheral and central leg paresis as orthopedic and neurological disorders, respectively. The current review summarizes the main clinical features of these diseases. Criteria are discussed as to which require the particular capabilities of a hospital and which patients can be managed in an outpatient setting.

Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infection After Erysipelas

Erysipelas are common soft tissue infections responding to first-line antibiosis. Because of factors of related to responsible bacteria and host, complications can occur that need extensive surgery in addition to intensified drug therapy. We report on a 65-year-old woman with leg ulcer who developed an absceding and necrotizing panniculitis of the affected leg complicating erysipelas. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified. Debridement and surgical removal of inflamed subcutaneous adipose tissue was decisive to interrupt the process. Wound bed preparation was realized by vacuum-assisted closure. Final wound closure was done by split-skin mesh graft. Complicated skin and skin structure infections need a combined approach of intensified antibiosis and surgery to save life.