BOILS AND CARBUNCLES

Aroosha Abrar
Introduction

 A boil is a painful, pus-filled bump that forms under your skin when
bacteria infect and inflame one or more of your hair follicles. A carbuncle is
a cluster of boils that form a connected area of infection under the skin.
 Boils (furuncles) usually start as reddish or purplish, tender bumps. The
bumps quickly fill with pus, growing larger and more painful until they
rupture and drain. Areas most likely to be affected are the face, back of
the neck, armpits, thighs and buttocks.
 You can usually care for a single boil at home. But don't attempt to prick or
squeeze it — that may spread the infection.
Symptoms of boils

 Signs and symptoms of a boil usually include:

 A painful, red bump that starts out small and can enlarge to more than 2
inches (5 centimetres)
 Reddish or purplish, swollen skin around the bump
 An increase in the size of the bump over a few days as it fills with pus
 Development of a yellow-white tip that eventually ruptures and allows the
pus to drain out
 Symptoms of carbuncles

 Compared with single boils, carbuncles cause a deeper and more severe infection
and are more likely to leave a scar.
 People who have a carbuncle often feel unwell in general and may experience a
fever and chills.
Cause and risk factors

 Most boils are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacterium commonly found on
the skin and inside the nose.
 RISK FACTORS
 Close contact with a person who has a staph infection. You're more likely to develop
an infection if you live with someone who has a boil or carbuncle.
 Diabetes. This disease can make it more difficult for your body to fight infection, including
bacterial infections of your skin.
 Other skin conditions. Because they damage your skin's protective barrier, skin
problems, such as acne and eczema, make you more susceptible to boils and carbuncles.
 Compromised immunity. If your immune system is weakened for any reason, you're
more susceptible to boils and carbuncles.
Diagnosis

Your doctor will likely be able to diagnose a boil or carbuncle simply by looking at it. A
sample of the pus may be sent to the lab for testing. This may be useful if you have
recurring infections or an infection that hasn't responded to standard treatment.
Many varieties of the bacteria that cause boils have become resistant to certain types of
antibiotics. So lab testing can help determine what type of antibiotic would work best in
your situation.
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Treatment

• You can generally treat small boils at home by applying warm compresses to
relieve pain and promote natural drainage.

• For larger boils and carbuncles, treatment may include:

• Incision and drainage. Your doctor may drain a large boil or carbuncle by

making an incision in it. Deep infections that can't be completely drained may
be packed with sterile gauze to help soak up and remove additional pus.

• Antibiotics. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help heal

severe or recurrent infections.