In patients with purulent cellulitis, the predominant pathogen is likely Staphylococcus aureus.
Strongly consider drainage of furuncles, carbuncles and abscesses, and send purulent fluid for C&S, in order to help guide and tailor treatment.
A simple abscess or furuncle may be treated with incision and drainage alone, if there are no signs of systemic inflammation.
Blood cultures are often negative and of low yield in the absence of systemic signs of inflammation.
Guidelines