Risk factors for erysipelas of the leg (cellulitis): case-control study

Objective To assess risk factors for erysipelas of the leg (cellulitis). Design Case-control study. Setting 7 hospital centres in France. Subjects 167 patients admitted to hospital for erysipelas of the leg and 29 4 controls. Results In multivariate analysis, a disruption of the cutaneous barrier (le g ulcer, wound, fissurated toe-web intertrigo, pressure ulcer, or leg derma tosis) (odds ratio 23.8, 95% confidence interval 10.7 to 52.5), lymphoedema (71.2, 5.6 to 908), venous insufficiency (2.9, 1.0 to 8.7), leg oedema (2. 5, 1.2 to 5.1) and being overweight (2.0, 1.1 to 3.7) were independently as sociated with erysipelas of the leg. No association was observed with diabe tes, alcohol, or smoking. Population attributable risk for toe-web intertri go was 61%. Conclusion This first case-control study highlights the major role of local risk factors (mainly lymphoedema and site of entry) in erysipelas of the l eg: From a public health perspective, detecting and treating toe-web intert rigo should be evaluated in the secondary prevention of erysipelas of the l eg.