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Podcast
Treating an Abscess: When are Antibiotics Needed? - Frankly Speaking EP 33
For patients who are being treated for a skin abscess, the role of antibiotics following incision and drainage remains controversial. While most patients will get better, giving antibiotics may increase rates of resolution. Should antibiotics be given to everyone or is a more selective approach better?
Episode references and resource links:
- Daum RS et al. A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Antibiotics for Smaller Skin Abscesses. N Engl J Med. 2017 Jun 29;376(26):2545-2555Talan DA et al. Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole versus
- Placebo for Uncomplicated Skin Abscess. N Engl J Med. 2016 Mar 3;374(9):823-32.
- Schmitz GR et al. Randomized controlled trial of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for uncomplicated skin abscesses in patients at risk for community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection.Ann Emerg Med. 2010 Sep;56(3):283-7
- Lee MC et al. Management and outcome of children with skin and soft tissue abscesses caused by community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2004 Feb;23(2):123-7.
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CME/CE Information
0 Credits - Not for CME/CE Credit
Release Date: 9/11/2017
Expiration Date: 9/11/2019
Topics
Faculty
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Frank J. Domino, MD
Professor, Family Medicine and Community Health,
University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
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Alan M. Ehrlich, MD, FAAFP
Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School,
Executive Editor, DynaMed
Disclosures
The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by faculty, and all have been mitigated by Pri-Med Institute.
Frank J. Domino, MD: Has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Alan M. Ehrlich, MD, FAAFP: Has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Non-faculty contributors involved in the planning, development, editing, and review of the content have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
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