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.
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