Erysipelas. Changing faces.

A retrospective study of 526 adult patients admitted to the Sheba Medical Center for treatment of erysipelas during the period 1972-1982 showed a steady increase in the number of cases admitted as well as a striking change in its classical pattern of distribution, with 86% of the lesions occurring in the lower extremities opposed to 5.9% in the face. Local trauma and superficial abrasions were identified as the major predisposing factors, whereas upper respiratory tract infection was almost negligible among the patients. Peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, and prolonged treatment with corticoids, immunosuppressants, or radiation were less frequently associated with the development of the disease. New trends were also observed for the age groups and seasonal distribution of the population studied.