Treatment of Abscesses May Not Require Antibiotics

There’s no doubt that there are medical conditions where antibiotics are necessary. A life threatening bacterial infection needs immediate antibiotic treatment. Unfortunately, antibiotics are often over prescribed in this country which has contributed to the ever growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Not only does the misuse of antibiotics contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistance, but it can also create problems for the individual taking them. Antibiotics are known to have serious side effects ranging from allergic reactions to liver failure and are a frequent cause of diarrhea and stomach upset. In the past, antibiotics have been widely prescribed for the treatment of abscesses of the skin, usually after the abscess has been opened and drained to remove the pus. Now, a new study shows that antibiotics may not be effective or necessary in the treatment of abscesses.

Are Antibiotics for Treatment of Abscesses Necessary? ‘” The Study

In this study, published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, researchers did a double blind study on 149 children to determine the effects of antibiotics for treatment of abscesses. One group of children received a sulfa antibiotic after the abscess was drained, while the other group received a placebo. The results? They found that both groups of children had roughly similar treatment failure rates, although the risk of developing a new abscess was higher in the group that didn’t receive antibiotics.

When Should Antibiotics Be Used for Treatment of Abscesses?

Most doctors routinely write a prescription for antibiotics after drainage of an abscess. According to this research, antibiotic use may be unnecessary for successful treatment of abscesses and they may need to only be opened and drained. If the pus is completely removed and the area is kept clean and dry, it’s likely that healing will occur without the need for antibiotics. Of course, it’s important to watch for signs and symptoms of infection including redness, increasing tenderness, and fever or chills. If these signs were to develop, an antibiotic would be necessary. Diabetics and people with immune problems or other medical conditions might also need antibiotic therapy for treatment of an abscess.

Why is Drainage of an Abscess Necessary?

Skin abscesses after a minor wound or injury are fairly common and usually quickly resolve on their own after drainage. Drainage of the abscess is important to allow the underlying pus to drain. Many of the bacteria that cause these abscesses to form thrive under low oxygen conditions. When the wound is drained and exposed to air, healing can occur naturally through the body’s own defense mechanisms without antibiotics and the risks of unwanted antibiotic side effects.

Treatment of Abscesses: The Bottom Line

The next time your doctor writes an antibiotic prescription for treatment of an abscess, ask if it’s really necessary. At least according to this study, it may not be.

Reference:

• Ann. Emerg. Med. 2009. May 1.