What Is a Furuncle?
A bacterial infection of hair follicles usually causes furuncles. A furuncle (or boil) is a painful, pus-filled tender bump that develops in the skin. Furuncles often begin as reddish-purplish bumps, quickly increasing in size and filling with pus. Several furuncles cluster together to make carbuncles. They may appear in the hair follicles anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, back of the neck, armpits, buttocks, and thighs. Most furuncles get better with home-based treatments such as warm compresses. However, larger furuncles may require treatment by a doctor.
Why Do Furuncles Occur?
Bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus cause furuncles. They are commonly found on the skin and inside the nose. A few other bacteria found on the skin's surface can also cause furuncles. Bacteria can quickly enter the skin through a small cut, injury, or hair follicle. The body's immune system responds by sending the body's defense cells-white blood cells to the area. The white blood cells build up and damage skin to form pus.
What Does a Furuncle Look Like?
A furuncle usually begins as a tender, swollen red bump on the skin. It feels warm to the touch.
Over time, the furuncle develops, and it becomes:
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Painful: Pain aggravates as it fills with pus. Pain lessens when the furuncle drains.
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Increase in Size: It usually starts small (pea-size) and enlarges to a golf ball.
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Development of Yellow or White Center (Pustules): The skin around the center is red and shiny.
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Weeping or Crusting: The furuncle may ooze pus as the body fights the bacterial infection.
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Spread to Other Areas: The bacteria can spread to other body parts. The infection can also pass through close contact or by sharing personal items.
There can be other symptoms also:
What Are the Risk Factors for Furuncles?
Although anyone can develop furuncles, certain factors can increase the risk of developing them. These risk factors include:
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Close contact with someone who has a Staphylococcus aureus infection.
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Skin diseases such as acne and eczema.
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The weakened immune system, cancer, or diabetes.
What Are the Possible Complications of Furuncles?
People with weakened immune systems such as diabetes, HIV or AIDS, or cancers are more likely to have recurrent furuncle infections and cannot prevent them. These recurrent furuncles can signify a life-threatening infection called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The possible complications of furuncles include:
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Heart infection (endocarditis).
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Brain infection (meningitis).
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Infection of the blood or the tissues (sepsis).
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Bone infection (osteomyelitis).
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Permanent scarring.
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Spinal cord infection.
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Spread of bacterial infection to other body parts.
How to Diagnose a Furuncle?
A furuncle can be easily diagnosed by simply looking at it. The doctor may send a pus sample to the lab for testing, which may help in case of recurring infections or infections. Many bacteria that cause furuncles have become resistant to antibiotics. Laboratory testing can help determine what type of antibiotics would work best.
What Is the Treatment of Furuncles?
Avoid picking or squeezing a furuncle with a sharp object, as it can spread the infection to other skin parts. If left alone, a furuncle often breaks and drains on its own over time. Sometimes, a doctor may need to cut into the skin to drain the pus. Once the fluid and pus drain from the furuncles, they will heal. The doctors may advise the following treatments:
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Use antiseptic or antibacterial soaps for daily baths or showers for a few weeks.
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Apply a topical antiseptic to the affected site and cover it with a gauze square.
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Apply antiseptic or antibiotic gel to the inside of the nostrils.
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Put warm, moist compresses on the furuncles several times daily to speed draining and healing.
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Use a hand sanitizer regularly to reduce the chance of reinfection.
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Use of oral antibiotics sometimes for several weeks.
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The furuncles sometimes fail to clear up, and a swab is taken for microbiological culture.
Individuals with fever or other serious symptoms with the furuncle must see a doctor. In addition, those with diabetes or a condition that affects the immune system should see a doctor to treat the furuncle.
Prevention:
A furuncle can occur despite the best hygiene practices, especially in people with a weakened immune system.
But the following measures may help in preventing furuncles:
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First, avoid close contact with the person who has a furuncle already.
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Always wash your hands frequently and adequately with antibacterial soaps to prevent spreading infection.
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Daily bath with antibacterial soap or gel.
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To prevent contamination, do not share or use personal articles such as handkerchiefs, towels, razors, or bed linens.
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In case of a cut or sore, wash the articles of clothing using detergent and hot water.
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Clean and cover the wounds and cuts with dry, sterile bandages until they heal.
When to See a Doctor?
Reach out to a doctor if a furuncle:
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Occurs on the face or spine.
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Worsens or is extremely painful.
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Does not heal in two weeks.
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Causes a fever.
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Grows bigger despite following a treatment regimen.
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Recurs.
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Causes discomfort.
The Outlook for People With Furuncles:
Most furuncles heal naturally in about two to three weeks. Therefore, they usually do not cause serious infections. However, boiling in the ear canal or nose can sometimes be painful and should be treated immediately. In addition, people with weakened immune systems may find it challenging to prevent them.
Conclusion
Furuncles are painful but rarely cause serious health concerns. They usually heal on their own with home-based treatments, including warm compressions and over-the-counter pain relievers. But, it is a good idea to seek medical treatment in case of repeated furuncle infections. The doctors can monitor and ensure the infection does not spread or worsen and provide necessary treatment. In addition, follow good hygiene practices and skin cleansing to reduce the risk of developing a boil.
