Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in the hand
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Bridget Harrison1, Oded Ben-Amotz, Douglas M Sammer
1Dallas, Texas From the Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
Background:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has become an increasingly common cause of skin and soft-issue infections. The purpose of this study was to review and summarize the most recent literature on methicillin-resistant S. aureus infections of the hand.
Methods:
The English-language literature related to methicillin-resistant S. aureus infections of the hand was reviewed, and information related to the history, epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of methicillin-resistant S. aureus infections of the hand was summarized.
Results:
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus hand infections have increased rapidly in prevalence over the past two decades. The prevalence varies markedly around the world, but in the United States, community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus now causes the majority of purulent hand infections.
Conclusions:
Purulent hand infections should be treated with surgical drainage. When antibiotics are indicated, empiric coverage for community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus should be provided if local prevalence rates exceed 10 to 15 percent.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Staphylococcal Skin Infections
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:15Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
01:19Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail...