Simple skin abscesses are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria strains. The patients received either a placebo, clindamycin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole after their abscess was drained.

Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Versus Placebo for Uncomplicated Skin Abscess Talan DA, Mower WR, Krishnadasan A, et al N Engl J Med. 2016;374:823-832 ...

The study found strong evidence to support the use of SMX monotherapy for SSTIs, including impetigo caused by GAS, purulent SSTIs, and cutaneous abscesses (coupled with incision and drainage).

Ladde, J., et al. (2020) A Randomized Controlled Trial of Novel Loop Drainage Technique Versus Standard Incision and Drainage in the Treatment of Skin Abscesses.