Symptom Finder - Treatment of Cellulitis, Carbuncles and Abscesses
CELLULITIS, CARBUNCLES, AND ABSCESSES
1. Try to obtain material for culture and sensitivity if possible.
2. Warm saline soaks qid.
3. Treat conservatively with one of the following:
a. Dicloxacillin (Dynapen): 250–500 mg qid.
b. Erythromycin: 250–500 mg qid.
c. Cephalexin (Keflex): 500 mg qid.
d. If MRSA is suspected, treat with trimethoprim/sulfasoxazole DS (Bactrim DS): 1 tab bid or ciprofloxacin 500 mg bid.
4. Once there is clear evidence of suppuration perform or have general surgeon perform I&D.
5. Resistant cases (MRSA, etc.) may need hospitalization and treatment with vancomycin 1 g IV q12hrs.
1. Try to obtain material for culture and sensitivity if possible.
2. Warm saline soaks qid.
3. Treat conservatively with one of the following:
a. Dicloxacillin (Dynapen): 250–500 mg qid.
b. Erythromycin: 250–500 mg qid.
c. Cephalexin (Keflex): 500 mg qid.
d. If MRSA is suspected, treat with trimethoprim/sulfasoxazole DS (Bactrim DS): 1 tab bid or ciprofloxacin 500 mg bid.
4. Once there is clear evidence of suppuration perform or have general surgeon perform I&D.
5. Resistant cases (MRSA, etc.) may need hospitalization and treatment with vancomycin 1 g IV q12hrs.
