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Updated: May 10, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Superimposed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection of vulvar eczematous dermatitis: a case report
Erin Carey1, Daniel Zedek, Jasmine Lewis
1Pelvic Pain Research Unit, Division of Advanced Laparoscopy and Pelvic Pain, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 4010 Old Clinic Building, CB #7570, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. erin_carey@med.unc.edu
Background:
Vulvar eczematous dermatitis predisposes patients to superimposed infections, which may result in late diagnosis and architectural destruction. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is on the rise in genitalia and lower extremities.
Case:
A 44-year-old woman presented with recurrent vulvar lesions and pain. A diagnosis of MRSA in the setting of eczema was achieved with concomitant use of photography and dermatopathologic review. Antibiotics were tailored to the resistant infection and preventative moisturization therapy was utilized.
Conclusion:
Awareness of dermatologic conditions affecting the vulva is principal in routine gynecologic care. Barrier protection of eczematous vulvar skin may prevent superficial infections. The regular use of photographic documentation and dermatopathology may decrease time to diagnosis with infrequent or rare conditions.
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