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Recurrent erysipelas: risk factors
Author(s) -
Pavlotsky Felix,
Amrani Shalom,
Trau Henry
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
jddg: journal der deutschen dermatologischen gesellschaft
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.463
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1610-0387
pISSN - 1610-0379
DOI - 10.1046/j.1439-0353.2004.03028.x
Subject(s) - medicine , erysipelas , lymphedema , overweight , surgery , chronic venous insufficiency , risk factor , retrospective cohort study , pediatrics , dermatology , body mass index , cancer , breast cancer
Summary Background: Several systemic and regional risk factors have been described for erysipelas. However, those predisposing for recurrent episodes are not well defined. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 574 patients hospitalized in our institution during a 3 year period. The analysis included demographic, epidemiologic, and medical chart review data with special attention to background disorders. The patients with single and recurrent episodes of erysipelas were compared. Results: The recurrent cases occurred mainly in the lower limb with several risk factors that were statistically more common than in the single episode group including overweight, venous insufficiency, lymphedema, tinea pedis, and previous regional surgical intervention or trauma. Conclusions: Patients with erysipelas, especially when it involves the lower limb, should be instructed to reduce weight, control venous insufficiency and/or lymphedema and to emphasize prevention and treatment of tinea pedis. The role of prophylactic antibiotics requires further study.