Risk factors for erysipelas of the leg (cellulitis): case-control study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess risk factors for erysipelas of the leg (cellulitis).


METHODS
Case-control study.


METHODS
7 hospital centres in France.


METHODS
167 patients admitted to hospital for erysipelas of the leg and 294 controls.


RESULTS
In multivariate analysis, a disruption of the cutaneous barrier (leg ulcer, wound, fissurated toe-web intertrigo, pressure ulcer, or leg dermatosis) (odds ratio 23.8, 95% confidence interval 10.7 to 52.5), lymphoedema (71.2, 5.6 to 908), venous insufficiency (2.9, 1.0 to 8.7), leg oedema (2.5, 1.2 to 5.1) and being overweight (2.0, 1.1 to 3.7) were independently associated with erysipelas of the leg. No association was observed with diabetes, alcohol, or smoking. Population attributable risk for toe-web intertrigo was 61%.


CONCLUSIONS
This first case-control study highlights the major role of local risk factors (mainly lymphoedema and site of entry) in erysipelas of the leg. From a public health perspective, detecting and treating toe-web intertrigo should be evaluated in the secondary prevention of erysipelas of the leg.
Dupuy
A
A
Dermatology Department, Hôpital Henri Mondor, 94010 Créteil, France.
Benchikhi
H
H
Roujeau
J C
JC
Bernard
P
P
Vaillant
L
L
Chosidow
O
O
Sassolas
B
B
Guillaume
J C
JC
Grob
J J
JJ
Bastuji-Garin
S
S
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000209:etiology*; D003625:Data Collection; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000150:complications; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000150:complications