Evaluation of 3 Versus 10 Days of Antibiotics in Skin Abscesses After Surgical Drainage

Patients age 3 months to 17 years presenting to a pediatric Emergency Department (ED) with
an uncomplicated skin abscess that required surgical drainage were randomized to receive 3
or 10 days of oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Patients were evaluated 10 to 14 days
later to assess for cure. Patients were contacted 1 month later to determine if they had
developed another skin infection. Outcomes were also stratified by methicillin-resistent
staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).

Inclusion Criteria:

- patients presenting with a skin abscess that requires surgical drainage (induration ≥
1 cm in diameter)

- minimally invasive surgical technique with the insertion of a subcutaneous drain can
be utilized on the patient

Exclusion Criteria:

- patients requiring immediate hospitalization

- patients who have received 2 or more doses of antibiotics in the previous 36 hours

- patients with diabetes, sickle-cell disease, an immuno-compromising disease, an
underlying medical condition predisposing the patient to frequent hospitalizations or
medical visits, or indwelling catheters or percutaneous medical devices

- patients with a concurrent, non-abscess infection

- patients with an allergy to Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole