Cellulitis: evaluation of possible predisposing factors in hospitalized patients

We conducted a prospective study among 62 hospitalized adults, to evaluate the factors that contribute to the development of cellulitis. The majority of patients had multiple possible predisposing factors, and the most common were: diabetes mellitus (31/62), history of cellulitis (30/62), edema (28/62), peripheral vascular disease (25/62), and skin changes suggestive of tinea pedis (20/62). A significant number of patients reported and were clinically noted to have dry skin (42/62). Large controlled studies are needed to evaluate whether aggressive control of possible risk factors can reduce the incidence of cellulitis.