Quick Answer
Not always. Current evidence supports antibiotics for larger abscesses, abscesses with surrounding cellulitis, MRSA-positive cultures, immunocompromised patients, and any patient with systemic symptoms like fever. Smaller, uncomplicated abscesses in otherwise healthy patients often heal well with drainage alone. We make this decision case by case based on the size, location, your medical history, and culture results.
This question comes up frequently for patients researching incision & drainage of abscesses at Good Health NC in Knightdale, NC.