Physical Exam
fluctulance +/- erythema
Labs
Not usually indicated
Glucose may help identify undiagnosed diabetes, if suspected
For febrile or systemically ill<unk> tients, obtain blood cultures, lactate, renal function, and CK
Imaging
Soft tissue ultrasound can differentiate between<unk>  and cellulitis
Assess for fluid collection and swirl within the collection
Recent small studies have shown limited utility to bedside ultrasound in this capacity as it rarely leads to change in management (i.e. when a provider feels there is an<unk>  present, ultrasound shows an<unk>  and when there is diagnostic uncertainty the ultrasound usually is unequivocal as well)
fluctulance +/- erythema
Not usually indicated
Glucose may help identify undiagnosed diabetes, if suspected
For febrile or systemically ill<unk> tients, obtain blood cultures, lactate, renal function, and CK
Soft tissue ultrasound can differentiate between<unk>  and cellulitis
Assess for fluid collection and swirl within the collection
Recent small studies have shown limited utility to bedside ultrasound in this capacity as it rarely leads to change in management (i.e. when a provider feels there is an<unk>  present, ultrasound shows an<unk>  and when there is diagnostic uncertainty the ultrasound usually is unequivocal as well)
Assess for fluid collection and swirl within the collection
Recent small studies have shown limited utility to bedside ultrasound in this capacity as it rarely leads to change in management (i.e. when a provider feels there is an<unk>  present, ultrasound shows an<unk>  and when there is diagnostic uncertainty the ultrasound usually is unequivocal as well)
Abscess
Furuncle
Closed fist infection
Carbuncle
Hernia
Duct ectasia
Weapon of mass destruction
Hidradenitis suppurativa