Oral versus intravenous antibiotic therapy of severe erysipelas was compared in a controlled trial of 60 patients. No clinical benefit of intravenous therapy was found, as evaluated by fever duration, hospital stay and sick leave. Untoward reactions were comparable between the groups. No difference in recurrence rate was found. The difference in administration time and drug cost was considerable. It is therefore suggested that erysipelas without complications should be treated orally.