emDOCs Podcast Episode 60 - By Brit Long - August 16, 2022
Key Points:
- S. aureus is the most common cause of abscess.
- Abscess, like cellulitis, is a clinical diagnosis. Labs and imaging are not usually needed in evaluating or managing an abscess.
- POCUS can assist with abscess identification and drainage.
- Incision and drainage is the treatment of choice. Some patients should be treated with antibiotics.
- Admit the patient for parenteral therapy when not tolerating PO antibiotics, rapid progression of erythema, severe infection, and/or proximity of the lesion to an indwelling medical device.