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Cellulitis/Abscess — Wound Care for Abscess — Clinical Pathway: Emergency Department and Inpatient

Cellulitis/Abscess Clinical Pathway — Emergency Department and Inpatient

Wound Care for Abscess

No Packing
  • Instruct patient to:
    • Remove bandage
    • Soak the abscess in warm, soapy water several times per day, followed by application of clean, dry dressing
Packing Placed
  • Dressing is to be removed at follow-up visit
  • No drainage at 48-72 hrs:
    • Wound care as above (no packing)
  • Continued drainage at 48-72 hrs:
    • Repack with clean packing
    • Packing should be removed and replaced every 48 hrs until drainage stops and granulation tissue is present
  • Once packing is permanently out, commence warm, soapy soaks several times per day
  • Wound Care with Packing
General Surgery may provide specific recommendations after I&D

When to Seek Medical Attention

  • Fever or chills
  • Significant reaccumulation of pus in the area
  • Increased pain or spreading redness
  • Red streaking
  • Increased swelling
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