Cutis
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Review
Status update: hospital-acquired and community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common bacterial pathogen that has long been considered a hospital-acquired pathogen. However, newer community-acquired strains have appeared that differ from nosocomial strains in their susceptibility to different antibiotics. ⋯ A variety of antibiotics are available for the treatment of hospital-acquired MRSA (HAMRSA) and community-acquired MRSA (CAMRSA). Incision and drainage is of paramount importance in the treatment of cutaneous abscesses and is sufficient treatment in most uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections.
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Antimicrobial prophylaxis is rarely appropriate for dermatologic surgery. Dermatologic procedures seldom cause bacteremia, and they have been implicated as a cause in only an extremely small number of cases of endocarditis or infections of vascular grafts or orthopedic prostheses. ⋯ Topical antibiotic ointments for that purpose are ineffective. Whether prophylactic antivirals are helpful in preventing herpes simplex infections after facial resurfacing is uncertain.