User:Mathewlm9447/Erysipelas

Epidemiology
There is currently no validated recent data on the worldwide incidence of erysipelas. From 2004-2005, UK hospitals reported 69,576 cases of cellulitis and 516 cases of Erysipelas. One book stated that several studies have placed the prevalence rate between every one in 10,000 people and every 250 in 10,000 people. The development of antibiotics, as well as increased sanitation standards has contributed to the decreased rate of incidence. Erysipelas caused systemic illness in up to 40% of cases reported by UK hospitals and 29% of people had recurrent episodes within three years. Anyone can be infected, although incidence rates are higher in infants and elderly. Several studies also reported a higher incidence rate in females. Four out of five cases occur on the legs, although historically the face was a more frequent site.

There are also many risk factors for developing the disease include


 * Arteriovenous fistula
 * Chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, athlete’s foot and eczema
 * Excising the saphenous vein
 * Immune deficiency or compromise, such as
 * Diabetes
 * Alcoholism
 * Obesity
 * Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
 * In newborns, exposure of the umbilical cord and vaccination site injury
 * Issues in lymph or blood circulation
 * Leg ulcers
 * Lymphatic edema
 * Lymphatic obstruction


 * Lymphoedema
 * Nasopharyngeal infection
 * Nephrotic syndrome
 * Pregnancy
 * Previous episode(s) of erysipelas
 * Toe web intertrigo
 * Traumatic wounds
 * Venous insufficiency or disease

Preventative Measures
Individuals can take preventative steps to increase the chance they do not catch the disease. Properly cleaning and covering wounds is important for everyone with an open wound. Effectively treating athlete's foot or eczema if they were the cause for the infection initially will decrease the chance of the infection occurring again. People with diabetes should pay attention to maintaining good foot hygiene. It is also important to follow up with doctors to make sure the disease has not come back or spread. About one third of people who have had erysipelas will be infected again within three years. Rigorous antibiotics may be needed in the case of recurrent bacterial skin infections.