Carbuncles

 Introduction
Presentation  Causes
Main Points  Signs & Symptoms
 Epidemiology
 Risk Factors
 Complications
 Prognosis
 Diagnose
 Preventions
 Treatment
Introduction
 A carbuncle is a red, swollen, and painful cluster
of boils that are connected to each other under
the skin.
 A carbuncle is a contagious collection of two or
more furuncles. A carbuncle can start as a
folliculitis which, if left untreated, can lead to a
furuncle and when multiple furuncles are
contagious, it is classified as a Carbuncle
 Causes
Carbuncle skin infection is caused by the bacteria staphylococcus,
streptococcus pyogenes, and methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus.
These bacteria enter the skin by piercing through hair follicles. Carbuncle
Disorder: Skin is highly contagious therefore, it can spread easily to other parts of the
Symptoms : Swelling body and can affect other people. A lump formed due to carbuncle is filled
Treatments: Antibiotic with fluid, pus, and dead tissue. Sometimes poor hygiene and a cut from
clothing or shaving can also cause carbuncle
Signs &
Symptoms
A general symptom of Carbuncle is formation
of red boil under your skin. A carbuncle can
range from a size of a pea to the size of half-
grown onion.
Other symptoms of carbuncle may include:
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Irritation
• Swelling
• Itching
• Pain around the affected area
• Spreading of lump to other skin areas
 Epidemiology
The incidence of carbuncles is uncertain; however, they
are considered relatively common.
• They are most often found in young to middle-aged
adults, being uncommon in early childhood.
• Carbuncles are known to affect males more than
females.
• Common in obese patients
• Carbuncles may occur in patients with immune
deficiency, anemia, diabetes or iron deficiency
Risk Factors
Although anyone including otherwise healthy
people can develop boils or carbuncles, the
following factors can increase your risk:

• Close contact with a person who has a

staph infection
• Diabetes
• Other skin conditions
• Compromised immunity
Complications
• Sometimes, carbuncles are caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, and
require treatment with potent prescription antibiotics if the lesions are not drained properly.
• In rare cases, bacteria from a carbuncle can escape into the bloodstream and cause serious complications,
including sepsis and infections in other parts of the body such as the lung, bones, joints, heart, blood, and
central nervous system.
Prognosis
A carbuncle develops over several days to several weeks, reaching a diameter of 2 to 10 cm. After
approximately one-week, multiple pustules develop and protrude from the surface. The lesion drains a
serosanguinous fluid. Healing occurs over several weeks and will result in a scar. Rarely, if left untreated,
mortality can occur from sepsis or diabetic ketoacidosis in those with comorbid conditions or
immunosuppression. With proper treatment, carbuncles are cured, and the prognosis is excellent, resulting in
only a cosmetic scar.
Diagnose of
Carbuncles
A dermatologist usually diagnoses a
carbuncle by looking at it. Tell him
about the symptoms a patient has been
experiencing. He may also take a pus
sample from the carbuncle. This sample
is observed in the lab to determine
causative agent. If a patient has diabetes
or other health issues, a dermatologist
may order urine test or blood test to
check overall health. A blood test will
help in detecting the infection that might
be causing carbuncle.
Preventions
•It's not always possible to prevent boils, especially if you have a weakened immune system. But the following
measures may help you avoid staph infections:
 Wash hands regularly with mild soap: Or use an alcohol-based hand rub often. Careful hand-washing is
best defense against germs.
 Keep wounds covered: Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they
heal.
 Avoid sharing personal items: Don't share towels, sheets, razors, clothing, athletic equipment and other
personal items. Staph infections can spread via objects, as well as from person to person. If a person has a
cut or sore, wash towels and linens using detergent and hot water with added bleach, and dry them in a hot
dryer.
Treatment and Medication

 Antibiotics that will help in faster draining of pus

 Pain killers, to reduce pain
 Doctor prescribed ointment
 Draining the carbuncle with a needle by a dermatologist.
Here are Some Photos :
 Clinical Dermatology
 Dermatology Essential
 https://
www.pathologyoutlines.com/
topic/
skinnontumorcarbuncle.html

References

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This Presentation is Prepared by
“Muhammad Asad”
“Awais Shuja”