CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES (FULL LIST)

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections - Outpatient (SSTI) (CPG)

Skin and soft tissue infections are common infections seen in ambulatory settings. They are estimated to occur in over 3% of pediatric emergency department visits and are among the top indications for an ambulatory antibiotic prescription. They are most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin resistant and susceptible strains) and group A Streptococcus. These infections often require appropriate management to prevent complications due to the infection and/or inappropriate antibiotic use.

The clinical practice guideline was developed with the goal of standardization of care for outpatient management of skin and soft tissue infections, based on current evidence and best practices. This is intended to focus on patients with uncomplicated infections that are primarily managed in the outpatient setting not requiring hospital admission. This guideline includes dermal layer infections, cellulitis/erysipelas, cellulitis with abscess, impetigo, bite wounds, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. The guideline focuses on utilizing appropriate empiric and definitive treatment options, optimization of antibiotic dosing, and the ideal treatment duration to effectively treat the infection and avoid unnecessary antibiotic complications.

Outpatient Skin and Soft Tissue Infection Guideline Team

• Contact: Sophie Katz, Infectious Diseases
• Nicholas Jones, Emergency Medicine
• Kathryn Carlson, General Pediatrics
• Jeremy Stultz, PharmD, Pharmacy
• Ritu Banerjee, MD, PhD, Infectious Diseases
• Jessica Gillon, PharmD, Pharmacy

Success tracking metrics (available on our antimicrobial stewardship dashboard):

• Percent of prescriptions with an indication of SSTI with <= 7-day antibiotic duration
• Percent of SSTI with antibiotic prescription for an antibiotic considered to be first-line (cephalexin, clindamycin, or amoxicillin/clavulanate for bites)