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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffWhile you may initially consult your family physician, he or she may refer you to a specialist, depending on which of your organ systems is affected by the infection. For example, a dermatologist specializes in skin conditions, while a cardiologist treats heart disorders.
What you can do
You may want to write a list that includes:
- Detailed descriptions of your symptoms
- Information about medical problems you've had
- Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings
- All the medications and dietary supplements you take
- Questions you want to ask the doctor
What to expect from your doctor
During your physical exam, your doctor will closely examine any skin lesions you may have. He or she might take a sample of tissue or liquid from the lesions for testing.
- Antimicrobial (drug) resistance: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/antimicrobialResistance/Examples/mrsa/overview.htm. Accessed March 16, 2010.
- Community-associated MRSA infection for the public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html. Accessed March 16, 2010.
- Archer GL. Staphylococcal infections. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189395219-4/968689922/1492/1112.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50315-3--cesec33_13717. Accessed March 16, 2010.
- Antibiotic resistance: Questions and answers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/antibiotic-use/anitbiotic-resistance-faqs.html. Accessed March 16, 2010.
- Wallin TR, et al. Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. 2008;26:431.
- Freeman J, et al. Rapid detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 16, 2010.
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