[Epidemiology, clinical features, and evolution of Erysipelas in the Marrakech region (100 cases)].

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the epidemiological and clinical profile, and to study the evolution of this disease in the Marrakech region.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We retrospectively studied all patients with a diagnosis of erysipelas admitted in the Department of Dermatology from 1990 to 2002, in the Marrakech Mohamed VI hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients were included in the study, 58 male (58%) and 42 female (42%) patients, age range 9-95 years (mean age: 47 years). The lesions were most frequently located on the lower limbs (87% of the cases), with 82 cases occurring in the legs, whereas the face was affected in 10% of the cases. Erysipelas relapsed in 12 patients (12%). All patients had at least one risk factor: portal of entry (80 cases, with 67 cases of toe web intertrigo), obesity (10% of the cases), lymphedema (6% of the cases), diabetes (3% of the cases). The first line treatment was intravenous penicillin G in 76 cases (76%). Satisfactory results were observed in 78% of the cases.

COMMENTS: Erysipelas is common in hospital environment. An early penicillin therapy associated to the treatment of the portal of entry leads to satisfactory results.