Clinical Profile of Cellulitis and Erysipelas in the Tertiary Referral Hospital of West Java, Indonesia

Abstract Introduction: Cellulitis and erysipelas belong to a group of diseases that are considered global health burdens. Epidemiological data on these diseases in Indonesia is still limited. Purposes: This study aimed to identify the clinical profile of cellulitis and erysipelas in the tertiary referral hospital in West Java, Indonesia. Method This was a retrospective, descriptive study using a cross-sectional design. Data were obtained from outpatient and inpatient records of cellulitis and erysipelas patients in the tertiary referral hospital in West Java, Indonesia, in a three-year period during January 2020–December 2022. Result The results of the study showed that cellulitis was most common in women within the 45–64-year age group with normoweight nutritional status, while erysipelas mostly occurred in men within the > 65-year age group without a certain nutritional status predominance. In general, the risk factor for cellulitis was skin barrier disruption, while that for erysipelas was metabolic disorders. Fever was present in less than half of cases with cellulitis and erysipelas, and the lower extremities were the most often affected. The most frequent portal of entry in cellulitis was scratched skin, whereas erysipelas had no particular predominance. Additional skin lesions, such as bullae and/or erosions and suppuration, were found in some cases of these diseases and usually showed Gram-positive cocci with leukocytosis. Normal saline dressing was given to all cases, and some of them were treated with additional wound dressings and 2% mupirocin cream. Clindamycin was the most commonly administered oral antibiotic, while ceftriaxone was administered parenterally. Conclusion The clinical profile of cellulitis and erysipelas in the tertiary referral hospital in West Java, Indonesia, is consistent with findings from other previous studies. Additionally, clindamycin is the most commonly used oral antibiotic for the treatment of cellulitis and erysipelas.