Theodore Rosen, MD gave an engaging presentation on the treatment of bacterial skin infections followed by a discussion on STDs. Starting off with a practical pearl that everyone appreciated, Dr. Rosen tackled the common conundrum of when to admit to the hospital versus when to rely on outpatient treatment.
He detailed important findings during the physical exam that should prompt admission, and also covered the significance of social factors and the ability to comply. He caveated this with the point that newer IV antibiotics such as oritivancin and dalbavancin have a very long half-life and thus a single dose often is all that is needed, obviating the need for admission in many cases that would have previously required it.
Dr. Rosen provided an excellent review of the most likely pathogens associated with the most common presentations of cutaneous infection. Following this, he delved into the hot and occasionally controversial topic of antibiotic use for small skin abscesses. He referenced a recent seminal trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which showed that patients treated with antibiotics following incision and drainage of small abscesses had better outcomes than those treated with I&D alone.
After a graphic presentation likely to make attendees never want to go swimming again, Dr. Rosen moved on to discuss treatment of animal bite-associated infections, followed by an enlightening discussion on STDs.