Packing Versus no Packing for Cutaneous Abscess

Study protocol: 1. Identification of a patient with a cutaneous abscess requiring incision and drainage 2. Written consent obtained from the patient 3. Study materials will be obtained * Enrolling physician fills out pre-procedure information (see data sheet) * Enrollment data sheet has instructions indicating whether patient is to receive packing or not * Use of random number generator to randomize all packets * Provider does abscess incision and drainage with or without packing according to the instructions * Enrolling physician fills out post-procedure information (see data sheet) * Patient returns within 48 hours for wound check with removal of packing if performed * Research coordinator or study physician calls the patient within 14 and 30 days after the procedure for follow-up * Information from a return visit and/or the telephone follow-up