Introduction:
Furunculosis is an infection of the hair follicles that result in abscess formation with the accumulation of necrotic tissue and pus. The infectious agent is Staphylococcus aureus, and it appears on the hair-bearing parts of the skin. The treatment of small furuncle is done by using warm compresses, and they heal in about two to three weeks. Furuncles usually do not cause long-term health conditions. When the doctor treats the furuncle or carbuncle by making an incision or a cut to drain pus, it may leave a small scar on healing at the site. To minimize the chances of infection and future occurrences, it is essential to uphold personal, interpersonal, and environmental hygiene.
What Are Furuncle and Carbuncle?
A furuncle, referred to as a boil, is a discomforting bump filled with pus on the skin, resulting from the infection and inflammation of one or multiple hair follicles by bacteria. A carbuncle refers to a collection of multiple boils that come together to create a contiguous region of infection beneath the skin. Furuncles often start as tender purplish or reddish bumps. The most likely affected sites are the armpits, back of the neck, face, thighs, and buttocks. A furuncle in the ear canal can be quite painful. Carbuncle quite often develops on the thighs or on the back of the neck. Small furuncles are very common, and they go away on their own. But can cause distress if they develop in prominent positions like face. A furuncle and carbuncle can happen to anyone at any age. They are quite uncommon in children and commonly seen in teenagers and adults.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Furuncle?
A furuncle develops over a few hours or days. It often starts as a swollen, tender red bump, and it feels warm to the touch. As the furuncle develops, the following symptoms may appear:
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Pain - The affected area is sensitive and itches before the boil forms.
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Pus - It may feel firm or squishy.
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White or Yellow Center - The skin around this center is shiny and red.
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Grows in Size - The size can vary between that of a pencil eraser and a golf ball.
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Spreads to Other Areas - The bacteria responsible for the cause of furuncle can spread to other parts of the body. It can also pass on to other people through close contact or sharing personal items.
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Weep or Crust - The furuncle may ooze pus as the body fights the infection.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Carbuncle?
Carbuncles are formed when many furuncles cluster together and present as an area of infection. In addition to the signs and symptoms of furuncle, carbuncles are associated with fatigue, fever, and chills.
What Causes Furuncle and Carbuncle?
The most commonly associated bacteria with furuncle formation is Staphylococcus aureus. Other bacteria and fungi can also cause furuncles and carbuncles. The bacteria enter the body from the skin through a hair follicle (the opening from which the hair grows) or a cut. The immune system of the body reacts by dispatching white blood cells to combat the infection in that specific region. These white blood cells form pus as they build up along the damaged skin. Carbuncles form when multiple hair follicles get infected. This infection is much more severe and deeper than one furuncle.
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing a Furuncle?
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Close contact with an infected person.
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People who have skin disorders like eczema (skin inflammation).
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People who are obese.
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Individuals with a compromised immune system, as well as those battling cancer or diabetes, face challenges in effectively combating infections due to the impact of these conditions on their body's ability to defend against them.
How to Diagnose Furuncle and Carbuncle?
The doctor can diagnose the furuncle and carbuncle by physical examination. Pus samples can also be sent to the lab for testing as it may help in identifying the causative agent. It is also helpful in cases of recurrent furuncles or infections that do not respond to standard treatment. Lab testing also helps in determining the type of antibiotic that would work for the situation as a lot of bacteria causing furuncle become resistant to certain types of antibiotics.
What Are the Treatment Options for Furuncle or Carbuncle?
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Small furuncles may subside on their own and may not need any treatment. Pain can be relieved by covering the furuncle with a cloth soaked in hot water. This has to be done three to four times a day for 30 minutes. Ensure that the water temperature is not excessively high to prevent the potential danger of scalding caused by hot water.
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Large furuncles and carbuncles need to be treated by draining the infected fluid or pus. The doctor will create a minor incision in the skin in order to extract the pus by utilizing a needle and syringe. Subsequently, a dressing is applied to the wound until it undergoes the healing process. The skin heals quickly once the infected fluid is drained.
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Antibiotic medications such as Flucloxacillin are prescribed to help in treating the infection from the skin. Medications are also prescribed if the patient has symptoms like fever.
What Are the Complications of Furuncle or Carbuncle?
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Recurrent Furuncles - It is also known as chronic furunculosis. They can be defined as repeated attacks of boils in the same area. It can be a sign of a deadly infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
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Sepsis - The bacteria from the boil enter the bloodstream and causes severe infections.
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Cellulitis - This bacteria can infect the skin and the area just underneath the skin, causing cellulitis.
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Meningitis - The infectious agent can get into the brain and result in life-threatening conditions like meningitis.
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Severe Infection and Death - The bacteria have the capability to spread to bones, the heart, the spinal cord, and other organs and lead to severe infection, causing death.
Conclusion:
Furuncles and carbuncles are bumps caused by infected hair follicles. They can be prevented by maintaining hygiene, avoiding sharing personal items with others and keeping the wounds covered, among others. Treatment of small furuncle can be done at home also by using warm compresses that promote the natural drainage of pus. Most furuncles heal in about two to three weeks.
