Bacterial Skin Infections

Prim Care. 2015 Dec;42(4):485-99. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2015.08.001.

Abstract

Skin and soft tissue infections account for 0.5% of outpatient visits to primary care. Skin and soft tissue infections can usually be managed in an outpatient setting. However, there are certain circumstances as discussed in this article that require more urgent care or inpatient management. Primary care providers should be able to diagnose, manage, and provide appropriate follow-up care for these frequently seen skin infections. This article provides family physicians with a comprehensive review of the assessment and management of common bacterial skin infections.

Keywords: Abscess; Cellulitis; Erysipelas; Impetigo; Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnosis
  • Abscess / therapy
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cellulitis / diagnosis
  • Cellulitis / drug therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Erysipelas / diagnosis
  • Erysipelas / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Impetigo / diagnosis
  • Impetigo / drug therapy
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
  • Physical Examination
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / drug therapy*
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / epidemiology
  • Soft Tissue Infections / diagnosis
  • Soft Tissue Infections / drug therapy
  • Soft Tissue Infections / epidemiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents