Background: Patients admitted in dermatology ward are highly susceptible to nosocomial sepsis due to extensive denudation of skin with loss of protective barrier in several dermatoses and frequent and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressives. The mortality in dermatology ward can predominantly be ascribed to sepsis, directly or indirectly. There is paucity of data on epidemiological and etiological profile of sepsis in dermatology inpatients. This study was undertaken to study the incidence, etiology and antibiotic sensitivity profile of nosocomial sepsis in skin ward.Methods: All patients developing nosocomial sepsis, defined as presence of two or more SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) criteria plus detection of focus of infection after 48 hours of admission, were inducted. They were assessed for risk factors, monitored for systemic complications and blood and other relevant specimens were sent for culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing.Results: During study period, 40 of 860 inpatients (4.65%) developed nosocomial sepsis, majority suffering from vesicobullous diseases (42.5%), erythroderma (25%) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (22.5%). Of these, 17 (42.5%) developed severe sepsis and 15 (37.5%) died. Total number of deaths during study period due to all causes were 22; thus sepsis contributed to 68.2% of deaths. Significant risk factors included use of immunosuppressives, presence of fever before admission, diabetes, smoking and concomitant systemic illness. The commonest gram positive organism isolated from all specimens was methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Gram negative isolates were acinetobacter, pseudomonas and klebsiella. On sensitivity testing, MRSA showed high sensitivity to vancomycin, linezolid, teicoplanin and rifampicin. Gram negative organisms were sensitive to cefopera-zone+sulbactum, piperacillin+tazobactum, imepenem and meropenem.Conclusions: Sepsis incidence was 4.65% in dermatology ward. Death occurred in 37.5% of these cases. Sepsis developed in patients with dermatoses involving large body surface area. MRSA was the commonest organism isolated. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern helped to formulate appropriate treatment guidelines.