Purulent Cellulitis
Purulent Cellulitis

Purulent Cellulitis

Note

Incision and drainage is recommended in all types of purulent cellulitis, regardless of severity and is considered the mainstay of therapy.

Are antibiotics are needed...

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

Add antibiotics if:

  • Surrounding cellulitis
  • Unable to completely drain
  • Fever
  • Immunosuppression
  • Diabetes
  • Lack of response to drainage alone
  • Critically ill, sepsis

Does the patient have risk(s) for MRSA?

MRSA Risk Factors:

  • Evidence of MRSA infection elsewhere
  • Nasal colonization with MRSA
  • Recent hospitalization
  • Hemodialysis
  • Injection drug use
  • HIV infection
  • Recent antibiotic use (especially IV in the last 3 months)
  • Sharing sports equipment/contact sports