Antibiotics Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Abscesses in the Emergency Department

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Cutaneous Abscesses in the Emergency Department

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference between an antibiotic, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole versus placebo in healing outcomes of soft tissue abscesses following incision and drainage.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 3 months to 17 years
• Single, localized soft tissue abscesses requiring incision and drainage with purulent material obtained
• Diameter of the abscess less than 5cm as measured by the treating physician

Exclusion Criteria:

• Signs of systemic illness or ill-appearing, as determined by the treating physician
• Admission to the hospital following treatment in the Emergency Department
• Known sulfa allergy
• Immunocompromised patients
• Soft tissue abscesses involving the perineum (labia, scrotum, penis, perirectal)
• Previous antibiotic use (for any reason) in the past seven days
• Non-English speaking patients and families