In a cohort of 355 patients with erysipelas divided into two groups a retrospective analysis of anamnestic data, examinations and treatmentwas made. The first group comprised 264 patients who had erysipelas for the first time in their life, the second group of 91 (25.6 %) were patients with relapsing erysipelas. Comparison of the two groups revealed that relapsing erysipelas affects more advanced age groups, appears significantly more frequently on the lower extremities and is associated with chronic venous insufficiency, lymphoedema, leg ulcers and mycotic infection. Evaluation of treatment of 400 cases revealed that antibiotic treatment failed in 80 (20 %). Unsuccessful treatment was recorded in all patients after cotrimoxazole and oxacillin, as well as in 73.7 % patients treated with tetracyclines. Most frequently for treatment cephalosporin antibiotics of the first generation were used, i.e. in 236 (59.0 %) attacks of erysipelas which had a high therapeutic effect (92.3 %) and least undesirable effects. The therapeutic success was less favourable after aminopenicillins (68.7 %), basic penicillins (43.3 %) and the macrolide antibiotic roxitromycin (50.0 %).) From the results of the investigation ensues that the drugs of choice in non-complicated erysipelas remain penicillin preparations, in patients allergic to penicillin macrolide antibiotics, possibly cephalosporins of the first generation.In complicated cases with secondary bacterial flora cephalosporin antibiotics of the first generation should be preferred or aminopenicillins combined with
-lactamase inhibitors. Treatment should be always adjusted according to the results of the microbiological examination. To prevent relapses of erysipel it is important to treat concurrently with antibiotic skin lesions which may allow penetration of streptococcal infection, and to improve the function of the venous system and lymphatic drainage of the lower extremities.

        Key words: erysipelas - retrospective study - treatment