Summarize the following:
Most healthcare providers see many cases each week and should easily be able to diagnose MRSA. The most obvious diagnostic tool is the characteristic boils or abscesses. But for confirmation, the doctor will swab the site of the lesion and a lab will test it for the presence of the MRSA bacteria. However, it takes about 48 hours for the bacteria to grow, rendering immediate testing inaccurate. New molecular tests that can detect MRSA's DNA in a matter of hours are becoming more widely available. Hopefully, you saw a doctor as soon as you suspected MRSA and caught the infection before it became dangerous. The first, early treatment for MRSA is to press a warm compress against the boil to draw the pus to the surface of the skin. This way, when the doctor cuts the abscess to drain it, she'll be more successful in removing all the pus. Antibiotics may help speed up the process. In some cases, the combination of antibiotics and warm compresses may cause spontaneous draining without actually having to cut the lesion. Soak a clean washcloth in water. Microwave it for about two minutes, or until it's as warm as you can stand without burning your skin. Leave it on the lesion until the cloth cools down. Repeat the process three times per session. Repeat the entire warm compress session four times each day. When the boil has softened up and you can clearly see pus in the center of it, it is ready to be surgically drained by your doctor. Sometimes though, this can make the area worse. The heat pack may be quite painful and your wound may get bigger, redder, and much worse. Discontinue the heat packs and call your doctor if that happens. Once you've brought the bacteria-filled pus to the surface of the lesion, the doctor will cut it open and drain the pus out safely. First, she will anesthetize the area with Lidocaine and cleanse it with Betadine. Then, using a scalpel, she will make an incision in the "head" of the lesion and drain it of infectious pus. She will apply pressure all around the lesion, like pushing pus out of a popped zit, to make sure all infectious material is squeezed out. The doctor will send the extracted fluid to a lab to test it for responsiveness to antibiotics. Sometimes, there are honeycomb-like pockets of infections under the skin. These need to be broken up by using a Kelly clamp to hold the skin open while the doctor addresses the infection under the surface. Because MRSA is largely resistant to antibiotics, draining is the most effective way to treat it. After draining, the doctor will wash out the wound with a needle-less syringe, then pack it tightly with strips of gauze. He'll leave a "wick" out so you can pull the gauze out at home to clean the wound in the same manner every day. Over time (usually about two weeks), the wound will get smaller and smaller until you can't fit gauze in it anymore. Until that happens, though, you should wash out the wound every day. Don't pressure your doctor to prescribe antibiotics against her recommendation, as MRSA does not respond well to them. Over-prescribing antibiotics only helps infections become more resistant to treatment; however, there are two approaches to antibiotic treatments in general for mild and for severe infections. Your doctor may suggest the following: Mild to moderate infection: take one Bactrim DS tablet every 12 hours for two weeks. If you're allergic to it, take 100mg of Doxycycline on the same schedule. Severe infection (IV delivery): Receive 1 gm of Vancomycin through an IV for at least an hour; 600 mg of Linezolid every 12 hours; or 600 mg of Ceftaroline for at least an hour every 12 hours. The infectious disease consultant will determine the length of your IV therapy.

summary: See a doctor for proper diagnosis. Use a warm compress. Allow a doctor to drain MRSA lesions. Keep the wound clean. Take any prescribed antibiotics.

Summarize the following:
A low-glycemic diet can help reduce inflammation, which may contribute to your acne. While eating greasy food won't cause acne, eating fresh fruits and vegetables containing lots vitamin A can improve your complexion. Some foods that are high in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, dried apricots, melons, and tuna. These make your blood sugar spike which triggers insulin production. Insulin production also leads to oil production which can clog up your pores. While stress itself does not actually cause acne, it can lead to a more noticeable breakout. Find relaxing things to do on a regular basis. Meditation, exercise, reading, or learning a new skill are great things to add to your schedule and might keep the breakouts at bay. Stressing about acne can make it even worse. Not only will your mental state aggravate acne, but getting too aggressive about treating acne (such as scrubbing, harsh chemicals, or too frequent washing) can also aggravate the problem. Typically, you are the only person who notices your own acne. Other people will usually not scrutinize your skin as closely as you do. Use your acne regimen as an opportunity to relax and take care of yourself. The actions of washing the face, drying the face, and smoothing on moisturizer all massage and can help you feel good. It can be a calming ritual in your day. Slow down and enjoy. An approach like this can help you relax, feel good about taking care of your skin, and make you feel better about yourself. A typical acne breakout will generally resolve itself within a few days, even if untreated. If you take on a new sport or like to exercise, be sure to wear loose fitting clothing so that your skin doesn't come into prolonged contact with sweat. Also, shower immediately after so that the oil and bacteria doesn't sit on your skin.
summary: Freshen up your diet. Cut out or reduce the sugar and simple carbohydrates in your diet. Reduce stress.