[Erysipelas. Retrospective study of 647 patients]

We conducted a retrospective at the department of dermatology of Charles Nicolle hospital of Tunis between January 1994 and December 2000 to determine the epidemiological, clinical profile and the evolution of erysipelas. A total of 647 patients were studied. The mean age was 44.73 years and sex ratio about 1.55. Erysipelas predominately involved in the lower limbs (91.2%). Antecedents of erysipelas were found in 26.12 %. Portal of entry was found in 76.66% represented essentially by toe-web intertrigo. 26.6% of patients were hospitalised. Erysipelas can be controlled with antibiotics; treatment is essentially based on penicillin G 4 mega units intramuscularly every day (60.58%) for mean duration of 10.13 days. Satisfying results were observed in 87.78%. Erysipelas is common disease source of over-morbidity. Many predisposing factors were incriminated, account for the frequency of recurrence, justifying implement of primary and secondary prevention.