Abscess I&D

Overall approach

Equipment list

Checklist

ED-Abscess-ID-Checklist

Literature

Talan, DA et al. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole versus placebo for uncomplicated skin abscess. N Engl J Med. 2016 Mar 3;374(9):823- 32. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1507476

  • RCT of 7 days of Bactrim for small uncomplicated abscesses getting I&D; n~1300
  • Increased cure (80.5 v 73.5%; NNT=14) in Bactrim group
  • Balanced by increased diarrhea in Bactrim group
  • Rare risks e.g. anaphylaxis, SJS etc not captured