Table 5.

CDC guidelines for management of acute SSTIs.^*

1. Consider CA-MRSA a likely cause of acute SSTIs including purulent “Spider Bites”	4. Utilize Empiric Antibiotic Therapy based on wound indications considering CA-MRSA coverage based on risk factors
2. Obtain wound cultures and sensitivity For individual patient purposes To determine local CA-MRSA characteristics	5. Maintain Standard Infection Control Precautions in the Treatment area. MRSA can be readily transmitted in the health care environment
3. Utilize aggressive incision and drainage approaches to the wound, followed by standard wound management practices†	6. Patient Infection Control Education is important to avoid the spread of CA-MRSA back into the community

*CDC indicates Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; SSTIs, skin and soft-tissue infections; and CA-MRSA, community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

†Currently there are no good data as to the ideal topical antimicrobial therapy for MRSA skin and soft tissue infections.