GuidelinesOther guideline
Cutaneous Abscess
Infection Cutaneous abscess Brief outline/clinical setting Deep inflammatory nodule extending into subcutaneous tissue that develops from preceding folliculitis. Simple abscesses do not extend into deeper tissues or have multiloculated extension. Aetiologies/organisms S. aureus Optimal antimicrobial selection Incision and drainage is the primary treatment, no antibiotics indicated. In complicated
| Infection | Cutaneous abscess |
| Brief outline/clinical setting | Deep inflammatory nodule extending into subcutaneous tissue that develops from preceding folliculitis. Simple abscesses do not extend into deeper tissues or have multiloculated extension. |
| Aetiologies/organisms | S. aureus |
| Optimal antimicrobial selection | Incision and drainage is the primary treatment, no antibiotics indicated. In complicated cases (surrounding cellulitis, located on face, systemic symptoms): Flucloxacillin 500mg 6 hourly po / amoxicillin- clavulanate 1g 12 hourly po |
| Duration | 5 days |
| Alternative if allergic/not available | Clindamycin 450mg 8 hourly po, co-trimoxazole 1–2 double strength tablets bd po |
| Rationale | |
| Level of evidence | Guidelines (Strong recommendation, low-quality or very low quality evidence) |
| Link to Guideline | Click here |