Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

• Group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus continue to be the most common organisms involved in skin and soft tissue infections. • Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a frequent and possibly more virulent cause of purulent infections. • Drainage of abscesses and debridement of deeper infections is crucial to optimal outcomes. • In severely ill patients, or when there is progression despite therapy, a search for deeper infections may be warranted. • Wound exploration and culture may be necessary when necrotizing soft tissue infections are suspected, as noninvasive tests cannot definitively exclude the diagnosis.