St. Anthony's fire (disambiguation)

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St. Anthony's Fire (Disambiguation)

St. Anthony's Fire is a term historically used to describe several different medical conditions characterized by intense inflammation and erythema of the skin. The name is derived from St. Anthony the Great, the patron saint of those suffering from skin diseases. This term has been used to refer to different conditions over time, including ergotism, erysipelas, and herpes zoster.

Ergotism[edit | edit source]

Ergotism is a condition caused by the ingestion of grains, particularly rye, contaminated with the fungus Claviceps purpurea. This fungus produces alkaloids that can cause severe vasoconstriction, leading to gangrene, hallucinations, and convulsions. Historically, outbreaks of ergotism were common in the Middle Ages, and the condition was often referred to as "St. Anthony's Fire" due to the burning sensations experienced by sufferers.

Erysipelas[edit | edit source]

Erysipelas is an acute infection of the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics, usually caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. It is characterized by a raised, well-demarcated, red rash, often accompanied by fever and chills. The term "St. Anthony's Fire" was used to describe erysipelas due to the intense redness and burning sensation of the affected skin.

Herpes Zoster[edit | edit source]

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is characterized by a painful, blistering rash that typically appears on one side of the body. The burning pain associated with herpes zoster led to its occasional reference as "St. Anthony's Fire."

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