To properly anesthetize an abscess for incision and drainage, insert the needle tip subcutaneously as you would for a TB vaccination. This technique will blanch the skin and anesthetize better than injecting into the abscess fluid, thereby nullifying the effect.—NORMAN ZELLERS, PA-C, El Segundo, Calif. (143-11)

From the September 01, 2010 Issue of Clinical Advisor

Topics:

Dermatology