Erysipelas of the leg: A cross-sectional study of risk factors for recurrence

Erysipelas is a common infection of the superficial layer of skin. The main causative agent is group A β-hemolytic streptococci. One of the most challenging aspects of this disease is its high rate of recurrence.

To identify risk factors for recurrence of erysipelas of the leg.

We included in a cross-sectional study all patients hospitalized for erysipelas of the leg seen at the dermatology department of the Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco, from January 2015 to April 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: those with a single episode (SE) and those with recurrent erysipelas (RE). These two groups were compared for clinical and laboratory characteristics, with particular focus on systemic and local risk factors.

The study included 270 patients, of whom 132 had SE and 138 had RE. Age, gender, hospital stay as well as laboratory findings did not differ significantly between the two groups. In multivariable analysis, cutaneous disruption [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.9; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.0-3.71], lymphedema [aOR=19.6; 95% CI: 8.0-57.2], and obesity [aOR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.1-5.2] were significantly associated with RE. Venous insufficiency and diabetes were not found to be associated with risk of recurrence.

Our results suggest that erysipelas is a potentially chronic disease and patients with identified local risk factors or obesity should be considered as exposed to recurrence and considered as targets for antibiotic prophylaxis and other preventive methods.