The British journal of dermatology
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Multicenter Study
Oedema as a risk factor for multiple episodes of cellulitis/erysipelas of the lower leg: a series with community follow-up.
Cellulitis of the lower leg is a common problem with considerable morbidity. Risk factors are well identified but the relationship between consequences of cellulitis and further episodes is less well understood. ⋯ This study demonstrates that the true frequency of postcellulitic oedema, as well as that of further episodes, is probably underestimated. Furthermore, there is a strong association between these factors, each of which is both a risk factor for, and a consequence of, each other, and for which intervention (reduction of oedema or more prolonged antibiotic therapy) may reduce the risk of recurrent infection. By contrast, self-reporting of toeweb maceration is low, so attempts to reduce the risk of recurrent cellulitis by treatment of tinea pedis or bacterial intertrigo may fail.