Management of skin abscesses by primary care pediatricians.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of skin abscesses. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate primary care pediatricians' management of skin abscesses. METHODS: A national mail survey of a random sample of 385 general pediatricians conducted from April to June 2010. RESULTS: The response rate was 49%. Most respondents (72%) were aware that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommendations for the management of soft tissue infections. Only 10% reported that no one in their practice could perform incision and drainage an uncomplicated abscess. Approximately one third (34%) reported that it is too time consuming to do so. About half (55%) were interested in further training in abscess management. CONCLUSION: Although most primary care pediatric practices are prepared to manage uncomplicated abscesses, more than half were interested in further training in the management of this condition. A comprehensive training program of skin infections could not only improve abscess management but also decrease barriers related to such care.

Duke Scholars

Author Rowena Joy Dolor Medicine, General Internal Medicine

Author Vance Garrison Fowler Jr. Medicine, Infectious Diseases