Table 1.
Univariate analysis of risk factors for erysipelas of the leg
| Risk factors | No (%) of cases (n=129) | No (%) of controls (n=294) | Odds ratio* (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | |||
| Overweight | 68 (53) | 97 (33) | 2.5 (1.6 to 3.9) |
| Seated position | 13 (11) | 26 (9) | 1.0 (0.5 to 2.0) |
| Diabetes mellitus | 16 (13) | 24 (8) | 1.7 (0.8 to 3.5) |
| Alcohol misuse | 11 (9) | 29 (10) | 0.9 (0.4 to 2.0) |
| Smoking | 26 (20) | 77 (26) | 0.6 (0.3 to 1.2) |
| Local risk factors | |||
| Leg oedema | 48 (38) | 44 (15) | 3.6 (2.2 to 6.0) |
| Varicosities | 55 (43) | 110 (38) | 1.5 (0.9 to 2.5) |
| History of: | |||
| Phlebitis | 9 (13) | 6 (2) | 4.1 (1.4 to 11.6) |
| Leg ulcer | 15 (13) | 5 (2) | 8.3 (3.2 to 21.6) |
| Leg surgery | 36 (30) | 41 (15) | 2.7 (1.6 to 4.6) |
| Neurological disorder | 13 (10) | 12 (4) | 2.1 (0.9 to 5.0) |
| x ray therapy | 5 (4) | 5 (2) | 1.7 (0.5 to 5.8) |
| Lymphoedema | 22 (18) | 1 (0.4) | 57.7 (16.9 to 197) |
| Abolition of a peripheral pulse | 36 (30) | 36 (13) | 2.8 (1.5 to 4.9) |
| Leg ulcer | 17 (14) | 2 (1) | 20.6 (6.7 to 63.0) |
| Wound | 47 (38) | 21 (8) | 6.8 (4.0 to 11.7) |
| Pressure ulcer | 5 (4) | 2 (1) | 6.0 (1.4 to 26.0) |
| Leg excoriated dermatosis | 11 (9) | 7 (3) | 3.6 (1.4 to 9.2) |
| Toe-web intertrigo | 83 (66) | 65 (23) | 6.6 (4.2 to 10.5) |
*
Adjusted for matching variables (age, sex, hospital).