Symptoms:
Redness, discoloration, blisters, and swelling that most commonly attack the face and is accompanied by high fever and other indications of acute illness. The skin is deep red or pink and appears glazed. It has a combined itching and burning sensation. There is a definite edge or margin to the affected area. Blisters may develop. The swollen area feels firm and hot. The condition tends to spread in all directions from where it first began. Even in cases moderately severe, generally the face is swollen; eyes are closed; and the lips and ears are thickened and feverish.

Cause:
Erysipelas is serious; and, in babies, the aged, and women who have recently given birth, it may prove fatal. It is likely to cause abortion in pregnant women. This is obviously a very serious condition. You will want to contact a physician. If you have contacted a physician, apply ice bags or ice-cold compresses (20 minutes on and 10 minutes off) to the affected area until he arrives. Cold compresses to the head, to help reduce the headaches.

Erysipelas is contagious. Wear rubber gloves. Never simultaneously care for children or other sick persons. Disinfect clothes placed on his skin. Soak 10 minutes in a Lysol solution (1 tbsp. per pint water) before putting in laundry.

Treatment:
• Go on a thorough cleansing program, with fruit and vegetable juice fasting, followed by a careful nutritious diet.

• In addition to the liquid diet, he must drink at least 3 quarts of water every day.

• Avoid constipation. When eating, there should be 3 movements a day, or use an enema.

• Do not wash with soap and water; only use a saturated solution of boric acid.

• Helpful herbs include plantain, yellow dock, chickweed, burdock root, chamomile, mullein, and yarrow. Dissolve herbs in a quart of boiling water, dip a cloth in, cool, and lightly touch the affected areas. Do not wipe the skin. Chickweed tea is excellent for this purpose. Add 1 tbsp. per pint of boiling water.

• A raw cranberry poultice, applied cold, will help remove the burning. Dilute lemon juice 50-50 with water and apply gently.

• Cover the area with grated potatoes, about a fourth inch thick. When dry, remove, and do it again.