Using the Loop Drainage Procedure to Manage Cutaneous Abscesses

Skin and soft tissue infections, known as cutaneous abscesses, are a frequent problem seen in primary and acute care settings. The gold standard of treatment for cutaneous abscesses is conventional incision and drainage (CID). The loop drainage technique (LDT) is a safe and effective alternative to CID to avoid premature closure, pain from packing and repacking, and reducing the need for follow-up medical care. Utilization of LDT also requires smaller incisions, resulting in smaller scars, which is particularly important for cosmetic outcomes. LDT offers a patient-centered, cosmetically favorable, and efficient alternative to CID, with improvements in comfort, adherence, and outcomes across care settings, while representing a practical option for emergency clinicians managing cutaneous abscesses.