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 ti nea pedis (20/62). A significant number of patients reported and were clini cally noted to have dry skin (42/62). Large controlled studies ave needed t o evaluate whether aggressive control of possible risk factors can reduce t he incidence of cellulitis. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.