Recurrent erysipelas: 47 cases.

BACKGROUND

Recurrence is a common complication of erysipelas (cellulitis).

OBJECTIVES

Todescribe the characteristics of patients with recurrent erysipelas and thereby, identify potential risk factors and evaluate prophylaxis efficacy.

METHODS

Data were retrospectively recorded from the files of 47 patients admitted to hospital between 1995 and 2003 for erysipelas recurrence. Studied variables included: general condition, regional and local factors, e.g. broken cutaneous barrier. Patient characteristics were used to construct tree-based models according to the classification and regression tree methodology.

RESULTS

Our patients suffered a mean of 4.1 recurrences. Cutaneous barrier disruption was observed in 81%, mainly intertrigo (60%). Antibiotic prophylaxis was taken by 68% of the patients for 30.6 months. After 1 and 2 years, 84 and 72% of the patients, respectively, were recurrence-free.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that erysipelas recurrence has the same risk factors as single episodes and underlines the potential benefit of oral or parenteral antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent recurrences.