Management and microbiology of cutaneous abscesses

Harvey W. Meislin, Michael D. McGehee, Peter Rosen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cutaneous abscesses in the perineal region contain primarily anaerobes commonly found in stool. Non-perineal abscesses contain mixed microflora indigenous to the skin. Bacteroides fragilis, the only anaerobe resistant to penicillin, is found predominantly in the perineal area. Staphylococcus aureus, although the most common aerobe found, is seen less frequently than expected and is almost always resistant to penicillin. Escherichia coli and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are rarely found. Incision and drainage is the primary mode of treatment. Fever is rare, though tachycardia is common in patients with normal host defenses. Patients with altered host defenses may require initial culture and Gram-stained smear to determine appropriate antibiotic therapy. The Gram-stained smear reliably indicates sterile and mixed abscesses, as well as those containing pure S aureus. Incision and drainage alone is the only therapy required in the usual patient. Since in these patients antibiotics are not required, initial culture and Gram-stained smear are unnecessary.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)186-191
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of the American College of Emergency Physicians
Volume7
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1978
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • abscess, cutaneous, medical care
  • bacterial infection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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