The standard treatment for cutaneous abscess is incision and drainage at bedside in the ED. Following this procedure, many clinicians insert a strip of gauze, known as packing, to maintain the open surgical incision, enhance drainage, and prevent re-accumulation of the abscess. If the abscess is packed, patients typically have to return in 2-3 days for a repeat visit to have the packing removed. The present standard of care, gauze packing, is difficult for patients to remove alone, as the packing itself becomes impregnated with pus and blood. Additionally, the packing procedure can be painful, despite the use of local anesthetics.