Packing versus non-packing outcomes for abscesses after incision and drainage.

Abstract

CLINICAL QUESTION: In non-diabetic, non-immunocompromised individuals with skin abscesses, does packing after incision and drainage (I&D) reduce the risk of recurrence or reintervention compared with not packing? ANSWER: No. If the abscess is less than 5 cm, packing does not affect outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE FOR THE ANSWER: B. DATE SEARCH WAS CONDUCTED: November 2014. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Published RCTs and meta-analysis studies. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Abscess greater than 5 cm, abscess in diabetics, abscess in immunocompromised.