This Publication Is Searchable The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy Section 10. Dermatologic Disorders Chapter 112. Paronychial Infections Erythrasma Cutaneous Abscesses Localized collections of pus causing fluctuant soft tissue swelling surrounded by erythema. For abscesses on the trunk, extremities, axillae, or head and neck, the most common aerobic bacterium is S. aureus . The most common anaerobes are Peptococcus and Propionibacterium sp.
Abscesses usually follow minor skin trauma.
Local cellulitis, lymphangitis, regional lymphadenopathy, fever, and leukocytosis are variable accompanying features. Gram stain, culture, and antibiotic therapy are unnecessary unless the patient has signs of systemic infection, compromised host defenses, or facial abscesses in the area drained by the cavernous sinus. Some clinicians pack the cavity loosely with a gauze wick that is removed 24 to 48 h later. Local heat and elevation may hasten resolution of the tissue inflammation. All rights reserved.