Boils and Carbuncles
Boils and Carbuncles
Boil is defined as a bacterial infection which form painful, pus filled blister in your skin. It is occurred when infection occur at hair follicles. Carbuncle is a multiple boil that occur at a same location.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of boils and carbuncles include:
- Red painful bump at initial stage
- Swelling at affected area
- After few days pus is present in the boil
- Multiple boils after few days at same site which is called carbuncles
Causes
The most common cause of boils and carbuncles is staphylococcus aureus, a diplococcus gram positive bacterium. Bacteria usually enter the skin through the injured site or by open wounds.
Complications
If left untreated it may lead to a complication called sepsis when bacteria enter into your blood stream and causes widespread infection.
Diagnosis
During checkup at clinic your doctor will diagnosis the boil by looking at them and send the pus sample to test the causative organism for the treatment purpose.
Treatment
Mild cases may resolve on its own at home. But severe condition may require treatment which include:
- Antibiotic may help to treat the infection.
- Drainage of pus to reduce the infection.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Apply warm cloth at affected area to help in drainage
- Clean the area with antibacterial solution
- Don’t touch the affected area