Packing Versus no Packing for Cutaneous Abscess

Study protocol:

• Identification of a patient with a cutaneous abscess requiring incision and drainage
• Written consent obtained from the patient
• 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

Inclusion criteria

• All patients 18 years of age and above
• Patients that require a cutaneous abscess incision and drainage
• English-speaking subjects only

Exclusion criteria

• Unable to return for 48-hour follow-up.
• Patients being admitted to the hospital or going to the operating room for incision and drainage
• Pregnant patients
• Patients less than 18 years of age
• Prisoners or persons in police custody
• Patients with infected bursa
• Non-English speaking subjects