[Treatment of Skin Abscesses in the Emergency Department]

Treatment of Skin Abscesses in the Emergency Department Abstract. Skin abscesses are a common cause for presentation in the emergency department and are in most cases treated by incision and drainage. The diagnosis is usually based upon clinical manifestation. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of an abscess, bedside ultrasonography is suggested to identify the presence, size and location of the abscess. Uncomplicated abscesses < 5 cm in diameter often can be treated under local or regional anesthesia with or without additional procedural sedation within the emergency department. Sufficient anesthesia and analgesia are essential to avoid undertreatment of the abscess. Certain abscess localizations or conditions require referral to a surgeon and / or operation of the abscess in the operating room. Alternative to the classic incision and drainage the minimal invasive Loop Drainage Technique may be considered. A postoperative systemic antibiotic treatment is only indicated under certain conditions.