[citation needed] Historically, the pathogen involved has most frequently been a bacterial species—always, since redescription of SSSIs as ABSSSIs—and as such, these infections require treatment by antibiotics.
[4][needs update] Uncomplicated SSSIs included "simple abscesses, impetiginous lesions, furuncles, and cellulitis.
[4][needs update][verification needed] As of 2014, physicians were reported as generally not culturing to identify the infecting bacterial pathogen during diagnosis of SSSIs[5] Common treatment is empirical, with choice of an antibiotic agent based on presenting symptoms and location, and further followup based on trial and error.
[citation needed] The increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance is evident in MRSA species commonly involved in SSSIs, which worsen prognoses and limit treatment options.
[citation needed] For less severe infections, microbiologic evaluation using tissue culture has been demonstrated to have high utility in guiding management decisions.