Epidemiology and comorbidity of erysipelas in primary care.

Background/aims: Most studies on the epidemiology of erysipelas are done in hospitals, resulting in patient selection. The aim of this study is to determine epidemiological characteristics and comorbidity of erysipelas based on primary care data.

Methods: Incidence rate study and nested case-control study. A database containing data from 52 general practices in Flanders, Belgium, with morbidity data on 160,000 different patients in the period 1994-2004. Excess comorbidity was determined in patients with erysipelas in 2004.

Results: In the period 1994-2004, the age-standardized incidence of erysipelas increased significantly from 1.88 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.62-2.13) per 1,000 patients to 2.49 (95% CI 2.24-2.74). Of patients with erysipelas, 16% had one or more recurrences. Local factors such as dermatophytosis, chronic ulcer of the skin, varicose veins of the leg and phlebitis and general disorders such as obesity, non-insulin-dependent diabetes and heart failure increased the risk of erysipelas.

Conclusion: The incidence of erysipelas increased from 1994 to 2004. More attention should be paid to local factors such as dermatophytosis to prevent erysipelas.