Packing Versus no Packing for Cutaneous Abscess

The goal of this study is to examine patients undergoing incision and drainage of cutaneous abscesses to determine if routine packing of the abscess cavity affects the need for further interventions such as repeat incision and drainage, antibiotic administration or hospital admission.

Study protocol: 1. Identification of a patient with a cutaneous abscess requiring incision and drainage 2. Written consent obtained from the patient 3. Study materials will be obtained - Enrolling physician fills out pre-procedure information (see data sheet) - Enrollment data sheet has instructions indicating whether patient is to receive packing or not - Use of random number generator to randomize all packets - Provider does abscess incision and drainage with or without packing according to the instructions - Enrolling physician fills out post-procedure information (see data sheet) - Patient returns within 48 hours for wound check with removal of packing if performed - Research coordinator or study physician calls the patient within 14 and 30 days after the procedure for follow-up - Information from a return visit and/or the telephone follow-up