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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Treatment of bacterial skin and soft tissue infections
Abstract:
Bacterial skin infections occur commonly and range in severity from mild to life threatening. The severity of skin infections, and their management and prognosis, can depend on the mechanism of infection, the skin structures involved and the infecting organism or organisms. Primary skin infections result from invasion of microorganisms through tiny breaks in the epidermis or from the spread of microorganisms through the bloodstream. Secondary infections arise from pre-existing trauma, burns or surgical wounds; infections involving the soft tissues underlying the skin are also discussed. These also frequently occur in areas of trauma, operation or ischemia. The cause, bacteriologic factors and management of skin infections were studied, with special attention to pyodermas, infections of the foot in diabetic patients and necrotizing soft tissue infections. Choice of appropriate antibiotic agents depends in large part on the infecting organism and patterns of antibiotic susceptibility. In necrotizing soft tissue infections, survival or limb salvage may depend on prompt surgical intervention. In these instances and in some of advanced primary skin infections in which bacteremia is involved, parenteral antibiotics are required. The available options are discussed and a report on the data with the combination agent ticarcillin disodium and clavulanate potassium is presented.
Insights
Bacterial skin infections vary widely in severity. Effective management and antibiotic choice depend on the specific bacteria, infection site, and patient factors like diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Bacterial skin infections are common, ranging from mild to life-threatening.
- Severity, management, and prognosis depend on infection mechanism, affected skin structures, and causative organisms.
- Infections can be primary (via skin breaks or bloodstream) or secondary (from trauma, burns, wounds, or ischemia).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the causes, bacteriologic factors, and management of bacterial skin infections.
- To focus on pyodermas, diabetic foot infections, and necrotizing soft tissue infections.
- To discuss antibiotic selection and the role of parenteral antibiotics in severe cases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of bacteriologic factors.
- Examination of treatment strategies for various skin infections.
- Evaluation of antibiotic susceptibility patterns and specific agents.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic selection is guided by the infecting organism and susceptibility patterns.
- Necrotizing soft tissue infections may require prompt surgical intervention for limb salvage.
- Parenteral antibiotics are crucial for severe infections, including those with bacteremia.
Conclusions:
- Appropriate and timely management is essential for favorable outcomes in bacterial skin infections.
- Understanding causative agents and resistance patterns informs effective antibiotic therapy.
- Combination therapies, such as ticarcillin disodium/clavulanate potassium, offer treatment options.
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