Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Island Health

Cellulitis with Abscess

Notes

Staph aureus is the most likely pathogen.

Drain the pus – send for culture.

A simple abscess or furuncle may be treated with incision and drainage only.

Hot compresses are helpful in this case.

Antimicrobials Recommended If Any Of:

Surrounding cellulitis

SIRS

SIRS = Two of:

  •  HR>90,

  •  RR >20 or PaCO2 <32,

  •  Temp >38 or <36,

  •  WBC >12 or <4

Immunosuppression, DM

Lack of response to drainage alone

Unable to completely drain

Select MRSA Risk Factors