Eschar with cellulitis as a clinical predictor in community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin abscess.

This study was designed to determine the validity of a central eschar with surrounding cellulitis as a clinical predictor for CA-MRSA infection. In this 10-month prospective observational study, patients with a chief complaint or clinical findings of skin infection with abscess had study data sheets placed on their chart. All abscesses were treated with incision and drainage, and wound cultures were obtained.