What are the common causes of heart murmurs. How are heart murmurs diagnosed. What treatment options are available for heart murmurs. Can heart murmurs be prevented.

What Are Heart Murmurs and How Do They Occur?

Heart murmurs are extra sounds heard during a heartbeat, often described as a “whooshing” noise. These sounds occur when blood flow through the heart becomes turbulent, typically due to irregularities in the heart’s structure or function.

A normal heartbeat produces a “lub-dub” sound:

• The “lub” (systolic sound) occurs when the mitral and tricuspid valves close
• The “dub” (diastolic sound) happens when the aortic and pulmonic valves close

Heart murmurs disrupt this typical pattern, introducing additional sounds that can indicate various underlying conditions.

Types of Heart Murmurs

Heart murmurs can be classified into two main categories:

1. Innocent heart murmurs: These occur in many healthy children and sometimes during pregnancy. They are not associated with medical or heart conditions and typically don’t require treatment.
2. Abnormal heart murmurs: These can be linked to damaged or overworked heart valves, congenital heart defects, or other cardiac issues.

Common Causes of Heart Murmurs

Several factors can contribute to the development of heart murmurs:

Physiological Causes

Certain conditions can increase heart rate and lead to murmurs, including:

• Pregnancy
• Anemia
• High fever
• Thyroid problems

Valve Problems

Issues with heart valves are a common cause of murmurs. These problems can include:

• Mitral valve prolapse: The mitral valve doesn’t close properly, allowing blood to flow backward.
• Mitral or aortic stenosis: Narrowing of these valves makes the heart work harder to pump blood.
• Aortic sclerosis and stenosis: Scarring, thickening, or stiffening of the aortic valve, often seen in elderly individuals.
• Mitral or aortic regurgitation: Blood flows in the wrong direction through these valves.

Congenital Heart Defects

Approximately 25,000 babies are born with heart defects each year. These can include:

• Holes in heart walls
• Abnormal valves

Many of these defects can be corrected through surgery.

Recognizing Symptoms Associated with Heart Murmurs

While many people with heart murmurs experience no symptoms, some may notice:

• Chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
• Breathlessness
• Fatigue
• Bluish skin color or fingertips (in babies with congenital heart defects)

Are these symptoms always indicative of a heart murmur? Not necessarily. These symptoms can be associated with various cardiovascular conditions, so it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic Procedures for Heart Murmurs

Diagnosing heart murmurs typically involves several steps:

1. Physical examination: Doctors often detect heart murmurs by listening to the heart with a stethoscope during a routine check-up.
2. Additional tests: To determine the cause and severity of the murmur, doctors may order:
   • Electrocardiogram (EKG): Measures the heart’s electrical activity
   • Chest X-rays: Check for heart enlargement due to heart or valve disease
   • Echocardiography: Uses sound waves to map the heart’s structure

How accurate are these diagnostic methods? While the initial detection through a stethoscope is quite reliable, additional tests provide more detailed information about the murmur’s cause and severity, allowing for a more precise diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Heart Murmurs

The treatment for heart murmurs depends on the underlying cause:

Innocent Heart Murmurs

These typically don’t require treatment. Regular monitoring may be recommended to ensure the murmur doesn’t worsen over time.

Abnormal Heart Murmurs

Treatment options may include:

• Medication: To manage symptoms or underlying conditions
• Surgery: To repair or replace damaged heart valves
• Lifestyle changes: To improve overall heart health

Can all heart murmurs be treated effectively? While many heart murmurs can be successfully managed or treated, the outcome depends on the specific cause and severity of the condition. Some congenital heart defects, for instance, may require ongoing management throughout a person’s life.

Preventing Heart Murmurs and Maintaining Heart Health

While not all heart murmurs can be prevented, especially those present at birth, you can take steps to maintain overall heart health and reduce the risk of developing certain types of heart murmurs:

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, or counseling
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
• Control other health conditions that may affect heart health, such as high blood pressure or diabetes

How effective are these preventive measures? While they can significantly reduce the risk of developing certain heart conditions that may lead to murmurs, it’s important to remember that some factors, such as congenital defects or aging, are beyond our control.

Living with Heart Murmurs: Long-term Outlook and Management

For many people, especially those with innocent heart murmurs, the long-term outlook is excellent. However, those with more serious underlying conditions may need ongoing management:

• Regular check-ups: Monitoring the heart murmur and overall heart health
• Medication adherence: Following prescribed treatment plans
• Lifestyle adjustments: Making heart-healthy choices in diet and exercise
• Emotional support: Dealing with the psychological aspects of living with a chronic condition

What factors influence the long-term prognosis for people with heart murmurs? The underlying cause of the murmur, the individual’s overall health, adherence to treatment plans, and lifestyle choices all play crucial roles in determining long-term outcomes.

Advances in Heart Murmur Research and Treatment

The field of cardiology continues to evolve, bringing new hope for those affected by heart murmurs:

• Improved diagnostic techniques: More accurate and less invasive methods for detecting and characterizing heart murmurs
• Minimally invasive surgical procedures: Reducing recovery time and complications for valve repair or replacement
• Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatments based on individual genetic profiles and risk factors
• Artificial intelligence in diagnosis: Using machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of heart murmur detection and classification

How might these advances change the landscape of heart murmur treatment in the coming years? As technology and medical knowledge progress, we can expect more precise diagnoses, targeted treatments, and potentially even preventive measures for certain types of heart murmurs.

Understanding heart murmurs is crucial for early detection and appropriate management of potential heart issues. While some murmurs are benign, others may signal underlying conditions that require medical attention. By staying informed about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for heart murmurs, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain their cardiovascular health and seek timely medical care when needed.

Heart Murmurs: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention

The “murmur” is the sound of blood flowing. It may be passing through an abnormal heart valve, for instance. Or it may be that a condition makes your heart beat faster and forces your heart to handle more blood quicker than normal.

Within the heart, there are four chambers separated by valves that regulate how much blood enters each chamber at any time. Healthy valves also help prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction in your heart.

A healthy heart makes a “lub-dub” sound as it beats. The “lub” (systolic sound) happens when part of the heart contracts and the mitral and tricuspid valves close, and the “dub” (diastolic sound) occurs when part of the heart relaxes and the aortic and pulmonic valves close. A heart murmur is an extra sound in the heartbeat — such as a ”whooshing” — that is caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart valves.

Heart murmurs happen in many healthy children, who may outgrow them as adults. They may also happen during pregnancy. Such murmurs are called “innocent” heart murmurs. They are not linked with medical or heart conditions and do not need treatment or lifestyle changes.

But there are exceptions. Murmurs can be linked to a damaged or overworked heart valve. Some people are born with valve problems. Others get them as a part of aging or from other heart problems.

Causes

Common conditions can make your heart beat faster and lead to heart murmurs. They can happen if you’re pregnant, or if you have:

A murmur could also be a problem with a heart valve. The valves close and open to let blood flow through the heart’s two upper chambers — called the atria — and two lower chambers — the ventricles. Valve problems include:

Mitral valve prolapse: Normally, your mitral valve closes completely when the lower left chamber of your heart contracts. It stops blood from flowing back into your upper left chamber. If part of that valve balloons out so it doesn’t close properly, you have mitral valve prolapse. This causes a clicking sound as your heart beats. It’s fairly common and often not serious. But it can lead to the blood flowing backward through the valve, which your doctor may call regurgitation.

Mitral valve or aortic stenosis: Your mitral and aortic valves are on the left side of your heart. If they narrow, which doctors call stenosis, your heart has to work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body. If left untreated, it can wear out your heart and lead to heart failure. You might be born with this. It can also happen as part of aging, or because of scarring from infections such as rheumatic fever.

Aortic sclerosis and stenosis: One in three elderly people have a heart murmur because of the scarring, thickening, or stiffening of their aortic valve. That’s aortic sclerosis. It’s usually not dangerous, since the valve can work for years after the murmur starts. It’s sometimes seen in people who have heart disease. But the valve can narrow over time. This is called stenosis. It can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, or you may pass out. Sometimes, the valve needs to be replaced.

Mitral or aortic regurgitation: In this case, regurgitation means the blood is going the wrong way through your mitral or aortic valve and back into your heart. To counteract it, your heart must work harder to force blood through the damaged valve. Over time, this can weaken or enlarge your heart and lead to heart failure.

Congenital heart defects: About 25,000 babies are born with heart defects each year. These problems include holes in heart walls or abnormal valves. Surgery can correct many of them.

Symptoms

Many people with heart murmurs have no symptoms. But some murmurs can happen along with these other symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
• Breathlessness
• Fatigue
• Bluish skin color or fingertips (sometimes seen in babies with congenital heart defects)

Diagnosis

Usually, doctors find heart murmurs during a physical exam. Your doctor will be able to hear it when listening to your heart with a stethoscope.

Your doctor may order one or more of the following tests to see whether your heart murmur is innocent or if it is caused by acquired valve disease or a defect you were born with:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG), which measures the electrical activity of the heart
• Chest X-rays to see if the heart is enlarged due to heart or valve disease
• Echocardiography, which uses sound waves to map the heart’s structure

On further examination, your doctor may find that the heart murmur is innocent. If your heart murmur is related to more serious heart problems, your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist (heart specialist).

Medication or surgery may be recommended to treat the underlying problem. With a thorough physical examination and proper tests, your doctor should be able to tell what causes your heart murmur.

Treatment

Many children and adults have harmless heart murmurs, which don’t need treatment.

If another condition, like high blood pressure, is causing yours, your doctor will treat the cause.

Some types of heart valve disease may require:

• Medicines to prevent blood clots, control irregular heartbeat or palpitations, and lower blood pressure
• Diuretics to get rid of excess salt and water from your body, making it easier for your heart to pump
• Surgery to correct heart defects you’re born with
• Surgery to correct certain types of heart valve disease

It’s not common, but doctors sometimes ask people to take antibiotics to help prevent heart infection before dental work or some kinds of surgery.

Prevention?

In most cases, you can’t prevent heart murmurs. The exception is that if you treat an underlying condition, such as high blood pressure, or you avoid heart valve infection, heart murmurs are stopped before they start.

When to Call Your Doctor

Get medical help if you feel:

• Chest pain
• Breathlessness, fatigue, or fainting for no obvious reason
• Heart palpitations

Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Understanding A Boil:

Skin infections are a common disease that patients can suffer from. Out of the many skin problems that can be faced, boils are the most common. In simple terms, a boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. In the initial stages, the skin of a patient will turn red in the area of the infection, followed by a tender lump being developed. Post this, over a period of four to seven days, the tender lump will begin to change colour, turning white, as pus collects under the skin.

Boils are most commonly faced around the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks. It should be noted that when a boil develops on the eyelid, it is known as a sty. While most types of boils form singularly, several boils can also appear in a group, indicating a more serious type of infection called a carbuncle.

What Causes Boils?

For the most part, boils on skin are caused by a germ called staphylococcal bacteria. This germ is known to enters the body either through small cuts on the skin or by traveling down the hair to the follicle.

While boils can affect anyone, patients with the following health problems are more susceptible to skin infections. These conditions include:

• Diabetes
• Problems with the immune system
• Poor nutrition
• Poor hygiene
• Exposure to harsh chemicals that irritate the skin

Common Symptoms of Boils

The formation of the boil itself is the most noticeable symptom of a boil. This skin infection begins as a hard, red, painful lump, which is usually about half an inch in size. Over a period of four to seven days, the skin boil will become softer, larger, and more painful.

During this period, a pocket of pus will also form on the top of the boil. While most boils fade away on their own, there are certain skin infections that can be far more severe. The common symptoms of a severe infection include:

• The skin around the boil becoming infected, and turning red, painful, warm, and swollen.
• More instances of boils appearing around the original one.
• The onset of a fever
• The lymph nodes beginning to swell.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Boils:

In cases where a severe infection may be suspected, your doctor may suggest that the diagnosis begin with a physical examination. Boils can occur in almost any part of the body, making it essential that your doctor thoroughly study the potential of this skin infection spreading, or affecting any other part of your body.

There are a number of treatments for boils available. In case of a minor infection, you can look in for home remedies for this skin infection, which will include:

• Regularly apply warm compresses so that you can soak the boil in warm water. This will not only be able to decrease the pain felt, but will also result in the pus being drawn to the surface. In most cases, when the pus comes to the surface of the skin, it will burst with repeated soakings. In most instances, this will occur within 10 days of the boil appearing.
• Once the boil has burst, it is important to wash the site of the skin infection with an antibacterial soap until all the pus is gone, and then procced to clean the area with a disinfectant, like alcohol. You should then aim to apply a medicated ointment and bandage, which should be regularly changed. You should continue to clean the infected area regularly, at least twice or thrice a day, until the wound heals.

Medical Treatment for Boils:

If the infection being seen is serious, your doctor may suggest additional blood tests to correctly diagnose the problem. Once this is done, the medical expert may suggest that you start a round of antibiotics, in case the infection is severe. In extreme cases, the doctor may also be required to lance the boil itself. Post this, a culture of the drained pus may be done, to pinpoint the type of bacteria that is causing the infection, and also to determine if the right kind of antibiotics is being given for accurate treatment.

Once the boil is drained, it is necessary to constantly clean the infected area, until the wound is healed. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic ointment to be applied after washing the infected area, post which the wound should be covered with a bandage. If the infected area becomes to turn red, or showcases any other signs of continued infection, it is important that you get in touch with your doctor immediately.

The Apollo Clinic Experience:

At Apollo Clinic, we understand that skin infections can turn serious, and our team of experienced dermatologists are available around-the-clock, to help diagnose and treat your infection with minimal pain and problem. If you feel that you are running a fever due to a boil infection, or are faced with severe pain, or a boil that doesn’t drain properly, please get in touch with one of our experts immediately.

What Causes Boils on the Inner Thigh?

Boils tend to form on the inner thigh.

A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a skin infection that involves a hair follicle and the surrounding skin tissue. They form under the skin and usually present as red, tender bumps at first. Boils then fill with pus, increase in size and become more painful. If a cluster of boils appear together, this is known as a carbuncle. The face, neck, buttocks, armpit and thigh are the most common locations for boils, although they can occur in any of the body’s hair follicles.

Causes

Any bacteria or fungus located on the surface of the skin can cause a boil. Boils are quite common and are usually caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, the most common bacteria found on the skin. When the hair follicle is damaged by a scratch or other break in the skin, the bacteria is able to move deeper into the follicular tissues, causing an infection and resulting in a boil. Boils may appear after taking antibiotics and are more common in diabetic and immune compromised individuals.

Signs and Symptoms

Boils begin as a red swollen area of the skin and develop into a larger, pus-filled pustule. The area may itch in the beginning and become more painful as the boil fills with pus. Pustules may form and appear with a white or yellow center. Boils are usually pea-sized but can be as large as a golf ball, usually growing at a rapid pace. Fatigue and fever may accompany the boil. The surrounding skin is red and swollen.

Treatment

Treatment of boils should be directed by a health-care provider. If you experience redness or red streaks spreading from the infected area, have an accompanying fever, if you are diabetic or are currently taking an antibiotic or cortisone medication you should see your health-care provider at the onset of symptoms. Using a hot compress on the boil or sitting in a hot bath may help to alleviate the pain until the boil ruptures and drains on its own. When the boil ruptures, pain relief is forthcoming.

Prevention

Considering boils are caused by bacteria on the skin, one of the key prevention methods is practicing good hygiene. Thorough hand washing and using antibacterial soaps may help to prevent bacteria from infecting hair follicles. Avoid sharing items such as towels, razors and athletic equipment to cut down on the spread of infection. By keeping cuts and scrapes clean and covered during the healing process the spread of infection will also be minimized. In some cases, your health-care provider may need to provide an antibiotic to clear up the underlying infection in hopes of preventing boils in the future.

How to deal with boils | Health

A boil is the skin’s way of cleansing itself of unwanted toxins. Boils can develop in any hairy area of skin due to friction or sweat.

Boils are red, painful and usually appear suddenly. If not treated, a boil will eventually open, drain, and heal within approximately one to three weeks. It is important to know that boils are contagious.

Do not allow the pus to ooze and come into contact with skin in other areas. Avoid scratching as it can cause the infection to spread. If a boil spreads to other areas, the condition is then called a carbuncle. The treatment for boils and carbuncles is similar. Carbuncles mostly occur on the back of the neck or thighs.

Causes of boils

1. Skin conditions that may cause you to scratch and damage the skin.

2. Obesity.

3. A poor immune system.

4. If you are a ‘carrier’ of Staphylococcus bacteria.

Treatment of boils

To prevent boils from forming:

1. Good bowel movement is important. Constipation can make skin problems worse. Drink at least two to three litres of water a day and eat plenty of fibre.

If you feel your immunity is poor, then consider going on an immunity boosting diet. Make sure your diet consists of fresh, whole, unprocessed foods that include juices, fruits and leafy vegetables. Any diet aimed at reducing boils needs to focus on improving your immunity.

Zinc is an important mineral for boosting immunity and is essential in the treatment of boils. Along with zinc, foods containing vitamin A (fish and dairy products), vitamin C (fruits and vegetables) and vitamin E (nuts and seeds) are helpful in strengthening the immune system.

Other methods

1. Give special attention to personal hygiene.

2. Wash your hands with soap and water after touching the body folds or your nose.

3. Wearing loose cotton clothes and keeping cool is also helpful.

If you have recurring boils and you’re otherwise very healthy, then you or someone in your family may be a ‘carrier’ of the Staphylococcus bacteria. If you are a ‘carrier’ yourself, then you tend to be more prone to skin infections and boils.

Treatment using antibiotics and / or antibiotic nasal cream may clear Staphylococcus bacteria from ‘carriers’ and reduce the chance of boils.

Dr Anjali Mukerjee is a nutritionist and the founder of Health Total, a nutrition counselling centre.

Pictures, Causes, Remedies & Treatment

Boils, also known as furuncles, is a bacterial or fungal infection of hair follicles that lie deep within the skin (1). The most common infectious agent is Staphylococcus aureus, but other bacteria may also be causative. The infection usually begins from a scratch or insect bite and then progresses to a red nodule filled with pus  (2). Boils may resolve without treatment or with simple self-care measures. However, in cases where the boil is recurring or grows in size and becomes painful, immediate medical intervention is required  (3).

In this MomJunction post, we explain the causes of boils in babies, its symptoms, diagnosis, and relevant treatment.

Are Boils Common In Babies?

Boils most commonly appear in teenagers or young adults. Although not very common, thay may be observed in babies. A boil can develop in healthy infants, but babies with weakened immune system, an existing skin infections, as well as and frequent insects bitesy insects are at a higher risk (4).

Where Do Boils Appear On The Body?

Babies can get boils anywhere on the body since boils can spread from one part of the body to another. The most common areas for boils to occur are places where there is friction and/or places that tend to be sweaty, such as face, neck, shoulders, thighs, armpits, and buttocks  (4).

It is essential to know the symptoms to differentiate boils from other skin conditions.

Symptoms Of Boils In Babies

A boil clinically present as red, swollen, painful and tender nodules of varying size and at times with an overlying pustule.(5). You may notice other symptoms as the boil grows larger  (6).

1. The appearance of a white or yellow head on the inflamed area
2. Increasing size and soreness of the lump
3. Increasing painful
4. Fever and chills (rare)
5. Swelling of the nearby lymph nodes (rare)

The baby could display more symptoms depending on the cause of the boils.

When To See A Doctor?

In most cases, boil heals within two weeks. However, it is good to consult a doctor when you notice the following conditions (7) (6) (8).

1. A boil is increasing in size or in number.
2. Boils that expand and join, causing a condition called carbunculosis.
3. It has become large and painful, making your baby feel uncomfortable.
4. Fever of more than 100°F (37.7°C).
5. Redness of the skin around the boil with uncontrollable itching.
6. Recurrent boils at the same spot or other parts of the body.
7. Boil appearing on the face or spine.

If a boil bursts, you also might seek medical advice.

Home Remedies For Boils In Babies

When a boil first appears, the pus-filled cavity (abscess) is absent. In this phase, doctors might recommend the following home remedies  (9).

1. Warm and moist compresses: You may apply a warm and moist compress to the boil for 20 to 30 minutes, three to four times a day. This could make the boil drain. Once the boil is drained, cover the boil with a clean, antiseptic bandage to protect the infection from spreading.

2. Ointment: If the boil does not drain out with warm compresses, then try using an ointment that draws (pulls) the pus out of the boil. This type of ointment is referred to as “drawing salve.” It typically contains a drug called ammonium bituminosulfonate, also known as Ichthyol which causes the surface of the boil to break.

3. Washing the infected area: Affected areas must be washed with an antibacterial soap. Wash your hands before and after washing the boil to prevent the spread of the boil to other parts of the baby’s body.

4. Alcohol: Disinfect the area by rubbing alcohol, which is entirely harmless for the baby’s skin. Sometimes, this alone might be enough to treat boils that may have been caused by a simple infection.

5. Coconut oil: If there are multiple boils on the scalp, it might be because of heat and weather. In this case, apply extra virgin coconut oil on the boils. Extra virgin coconut oil has antibacterial and emollient properties that could potentially help in healing boils (10).

6. Honey, porridge, and parsley: Although these home remedies are largely anecdotal, the use of honey, porridge, and parsley may provide symptomatic relief to your baby.

Always consult a doctor before using any home remedy on the baby’s skin.

Causes Of Boils In Babies

Bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus (staph), which is present on the baby’s skin, is the most common cause of boils. It usually does not cause a problem. However, an infection might develop due to the following reasons.

1. Spread from an infected person: Boils can spread from an infected person to the baby (2). It is important to note that rather than boil, it is the pus in the boils that is contagious and thus the main cause of the spread of the infection.

2. Other skin infections: If your baby has other skin infections, then they are more vulnerable to boils. This happens due to the weakening of the skin barrier often caused by skin problems, such as in eczema (1).

3. Skin injuries or bug bites: A skin injury or a bug bite can provide a point of entry for bacteria, thus causing boils.

3. Broken boils: Broken boils can cause the spread of pus from one part of the body to another. It can lead to the spread of boils to unaffected parts of the body (5).

4. Poor hygiene: Poor hygiene can cause the deposition of sweat and dead skin cells within natural skin creases and crevices. It becomes a hospitable place for infection-causing bacteria, thus leading to boils (3).

5. Skin friction: Tight-fitting clothes result in friction with skin and also poor skin ventilation. It can make the skin a breeding ground for bacteria and lead to boils (11).

Diagnosis Of Boils In Babies

A timely diagnosis of the cause can help prevent discomfort to the baby. Following is the possible course of diagnosis that your doctor would follow (12).

1. Health history: This is the preliminary step of diagnosis. The doctor will check the symptoms and know the baby’s health history.

2. Physical examination: The boil is examined to assess its severity.

3. Culture: This method of diagnosis might be used in moderate to severe cases of boilsby collecting a sample of the pus for microbiological analysis and determination of the type of bacteria.

4. Blood tests: Blood tests may be done in severe casese, associated with systemic signs of infection or in recurring boils  (9).

The diagnosis of the underlying cause determines the course of treatment for the boils.

Treatment For Boils In Babies

Sometimes boils get better on their own or with the help of a home remedy. But if they do not, the following treatment could be prescribed (5).

1. Incision and drainage

It is the standard treatment for large boils. The doctor gives local anesthesia or uses a cooling agent to numb the area and gently slits the boil. Then, cotton gauze is used to compress and extract the pus out of the boil. The wound is not stitched but covered with an antibiotic plaster to promote healing.

The entire process is performed as a minor surgery at an outpatient clinic, and you can take the baby home after the procedure. The doctor may ask you to return the next day or a few days later to change the dressing and inspect the progress of healing.

2. Systemic antibiotics therapy

In this process, antibiotics are administered through an intravenous drip or injection. Antibiotics help combat the bacteria that led to the infection in the first place, thus ultimately leading to relief from boils. This mode of treatment is usually used in cases of severe boils that can cause complications and thus cannot be drained.

3.

Keeping still

Another treatment for boils is “keeping still,” which is considered when the boil is on the face in order to minimize the risk of spreading the bacteria through the bloodstream. In this method, the affected part of the skin is kept as still as possible and not touched. However, this method can be difficult to implement in babies since they are active, and it is hard to teach them to stay still or not touch a part of the face.

If your baby has secondary symptoms, such as fever, then the doctor will prescribe relevant medications.

Complication Of Boils In Babies

Prompt treatment can not only treat and heal boils but can also prevent some complications, such as those mentioned below.

1. Scarring: Large boils might cause scarring. Generally, the scar fades over a period, but may not disappear completely.

2. Spread of infection: Once a baby is infected, it is usually recommended to be careful about its spread. The bacteria inside a boil could spread to other parts of the body. This can potentially initiate a secondary infection such as cellulitis, which is a common benign secondary infection.

3. Cavernous sinus thrombosis: is a very rare complication of boils. It usually occurs when an infection initiates the development of a blood clot in the spaces behind the eye socket and causes increased brain pressure. . The symptoms include sharp and severe headaches, swelling of the eyes, and severe eye pain. This condition is life-threatening if not treated with antibiotics in a timely way.

Complications arising from boils are rare and mostly occur when severe boils are ignored and not provided medical attention. They can be prevented through simple precautionary measures.

Prevention of Boils In Babies

Here are some simple steps to prevent boils (13).

1. Maintain hygiene Washing hands is key to preventing Staph skin infections. Have everyone in the home wash their hands often. Use a liquid antibacterial soap or alcohol hand sanitizer. Avoid nose picking. People have Staph bacteria in their nose.

2. Look for symptoms of boils, and as soon as you notice any, take prompt action.

3. If your baby has developed a boil, clean it carefully, and avoid the spread of the infection.

4. Wash your baby’s clothes and towels after each use, in an antibacterial solution to avoid the spread of any existing skin infection to healthy skin.

5. If your baby has an existing boil, then see to it that your baby does not rub, squeeze, or poke the boil.

6. If the baby has been treated, keep the wound cleaned and covered with sterilized gauze until it heals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does a boil last?

Boils generally last for two weeks in most cases. Therefore, if the boil stays for more than two weeks and is still painful, then consult a doctor.

2. Does teething cause boil in babies?

No, teething is not known to cause boils.

Boils can be prevented by maintaining hygiene. However, if a baby gets infected, it can be managed with prompt medical care. The use of some home remedies might also be helpful in the early stages. But if treatment is prescribed, then it must be followed as directed, to avoid any complications.

Do you have tips for dealing with boils in babies? Let us know in the comment section below.

References:

MomJunction’s articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

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What are the boils? Are home remedies enough to treat them?

Our body is constituent of various small and big compositions of several liquids, molecules and particles and the harmonical synthesis of these creates an equilibrium that our body follows and adheres to, however, an abnormality or disruption in any aspect of our internal bodily often causes changes in our body and its appearances that is most often quite noticeable! Boils can occur to anyone at almost any age but the younger you are, the more likely you may be to getting boils on your skin!

This article aims to shed light on a topic that is most commonly searched about on the web and is a frequent phenomenon in both men and women- occurrence of boils. To understand why such a thing transpires in our system, we need to delve into what it is and how it is caused.

So, what are boils?

The simplest way to define a boil is a minor skin infection in one’s hair follicles or in the oil gland that causes redness and slight swelling followed by a pus formation inside the lump caused by the skin infection. They can occur or appear in any part of the body and the most common place of occurrence is the face, armpits, thighs and eyes which is referred to as a “sty”.

What causes boils?

Staphylococcal bacteria is often the cause for most of the boils one gets. It’s basically a germ that enters the hair follicles through pores or smaller nicks and cuts on the surface of one’s body causing an irritation, leading to a pus formation in most cases. The size of a pus may vary from one person to another, the area affected or the size of one’s pores. Boils may also be prevalent in those who have a particular type of skin that attracts more external particles or dust towards them such as those with an oily skin or a combination skin type.

What are the symptoms & who are more likely to be affected?

Boils usually appear as tiny red lumps, that are slightly hard to touch and painful in most cases. The size of the boil generally increases almost up to two-three times its initial size in a couple of days time and gradually tends to form a pus inside it!

People in their initial puberty stage are likely to get boils more often, people who are diabetic might suffer from boils, someone lacking a particular nutrient or an undernourished person is also likely to be susceptible to getting boils and those who tend to be on the oilier side of things also might be prone to boils a bit more than the rest. Pregnant women, smokers, alcoholics, and women in menopause are also more vulnerable to getting boils.

Is it harmful & are home remedies enough to treat them?

No, boils alone may not be a harmful condition. They are almost a part and parcel of everyone’s life and usually come and reduce on their own. A large number of people also turn towards natural and homemade remedies to treat boils and are often quite effective! The right ingredients in the right measurements are highly likely to treat the boil and help reduce or completely eradicate the boil and most people choose these remedies as they are easily available, inexpensive and most importantly, they are effective! However, home remedies such as applying honey, calcium, toothpaste, curd, etc can be highly useful for those whose boils are temporary and have not been prevalent for a long time. It is imperative, however, to consult a doctor if it’s a recurring and painful occurrence each time. The following are signs or indications for seeking medical assistance:

• If you get a fever
• The boil turns extremely red and painful
• If the pus does not naturally drain out
• If another boil erupts beside the first one
• If the boil turns bigger and red streaks appear around it

Boils may not be harmful by themselves but can be a potential indication that your body is going through some kind of a change internally and must be addressed immediately as ignoring a big, painful or recurring boil can lead to some other health condition eventually. It is best to treat your skin with care, using natural and chemical-free products as much as possible and by eating healthy and a balanced meal.

Folliculitis | Michigan Medicine

Topic Overview

What is folliculitis?

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles. Each hair on your body grows out of a tiny pouch called a follicle. You can have folliculitis on any part of your body that has hair. But it is most common on the beard area, arms, back, buttocks, and legs.

What causes folliculitis?

It may be caused by bacteria. It also can be caused by yeast or another type of fungus.

You may get folliculitis if you have damaged hair follicles. Shaving or wearing clothes that rub the skin can irritate the follicles, which can lead to folliculitis. They also can become blocked or irritated by sweat, machine oils, or makeup. When the follicles are injured, they are more likely to become infected.

You are more likely to get folliculitis if you:

• Use a hot tub, whirlpool, or swimming pool that is not properly treated with chlorine.
• Wear tight clothes.
• Use or work with substances that can irritate or block the follicles. Examples include makeup, cocoa butter, motor oil, tar, and creosote.
• Have an infected cut, scrape, or surgical wound. The bacteria or fungi can spread to nearby hair follicles.
• Have a disease such as diabetes or HIV that lowers your ability to fight infection.

What are the symptoms?

Folliculitis usually looks like red pimples with a hair in the center of each one. The pimples may have pus in them, and they may itch or burn. When the pimples break open, they may drain pus, blood, or both.

“Hot tub folliculitis” most often appears about 72 hours after you’ve been in a hot tub or spa. Many small pimples appear on your stomach and sometimes on your arms and legs. You might have a mild fever and have an upset stomach. Most of the time, this kind of folliculitis goes away on its own in 7 to 10 days.

How is folliculitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will check your skin and ask about your health and activities. He or she may do tests to find out what is causing your folliculitis and to make sure you don’t have a different problem, such as impetigo or heat rash. Testing a sample of the fluid in the pimples or a sample of tissue can help your doctor learn what is causing the infection.

How is it treated?

Mild folliculitis usually heals on its own in about 2 weeks. You can take care of yourself at home with:

• A warm compress. This may ease itching and help healing. To make a warm compress, soak a hand towel in warm water. Wring out the excess water, and place the towel on the affected skin.
• Medicated shampoo. It can be used to treat folliculitis on the scalp or beard.

If the inflammation gets worse or doesn’t go away, you may need to see your doctor. He or she may prescribe medicine, such as an antibiotic.

Call your doctor if you have folliculitis and:

• It spreads or keeps coming back.
• You have a fever over 101°F (38°C).
• The affected area becomes red, swollen, warm, or more painful.

If the inflammation doesn’t go away or keeps coming back, laser hair removal may be an option. Laser treatment destroys the hair follicles, so they can’t get inflamed.

How can you prevent folliculitis?

There are many things you can do to prevent folliculitis or keep it from spreading.

• Bathe or shower daily with a mild soap. Also, bathe or shower after you exercise and after you work around chemicals.
• Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or other personal items. If you have folliculitis, use a clean washcloth and towel each time you bathe.
• Don’t scratch the bumps.
• Avoid shaving the bumps. If you must shave, change the razor blade each time.
• Avoid using oils on your skin. Oils can trap bacteria in the pores of your skin and can cause folliculitis.
• After you use public hot tubs or spas, shower right away with soap. If you own your own hot tub, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for keeping it clean.

90,000 causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

If staphylococcal bacteria enter the hair follicle, it can cause severe inflammation. The accumulation of pus with tissue necrosis, which has captured the affected area along with the sebaceous glands and cellulose, is called a boil, and the disease itself is called furunculosis. Its appearance is quite painful, and its development is relatively rapid. To avoid skin infection and the spread of the inflammatory process to healthy tissues, at the first signs of pathology, you should seek medical help.

Reasons

The inflammatory process and tissue suppuration are facilitated by:

• non-observance of personal hygiene requirements or its inadequate quality;
• constant rubbing of clothing on the skin;
• abrasions and injuries that open access for bacteria to the subcutaneous layer;
• intensive work of the sebaceous and sweat glands;
• hypovitaminosis;
• metabolic disorders.

Most boils are formed on areas of the skin with hair follicles. They often appear on the neck, face, back of the hands, and in the lumbar region. At the initial stage, inflammation makes itself felt by the appearance of a characteristic red tubercle that rises above the surface of the skin. After 3-4 days, a purulent head appears. Later, the boil breaks through under the influence of an increase in the volume of purulent secretions or mechanical stress. At the site of the rupture of the skin, a rod is visible – the so-called necrotic tissue.2-3 days after the rupture, the rod, together with the rest of the purulent contents, is rejected, and the wound begins to heal.

Do you have symptoms of boils and furunculosis?

Only a doctor can accurately diagnose the disease.
Do not postpone the consultation – call by phone

+7 (495) 775-73-60

Views

Depending on the place of localization and developmental characteristics, general and local furunculosis are distinguished.

• Local type of the disease occurs on a limited area of ​​the skin.Its cause is the incorrect treatment of one rash or a violation of sanitary requirements in matters of skin care.
• General furunculosis covers a large area of ​​the skin and is characterized by numerous rashes. More often it occurs against the background of a weakening of the body, disturbances in the functioning of the immune system, long-term chronic diseases or during a period of remission, with anemia or disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system.

The course of furunculosis can be acute or chronic.In the first case, inflammation occurs simultaneously or with a short time interval, and the disease makes itself felt by an increase in body temperature, headache and a feeling of weakness. The chronic form of furunculosis develops with prolonged physical fatigue, with overheating or hypothermia of the body, as well as against the background of a weakened immune system. Regardless of the type of disease, when symptoms of furunculosis appear, it is worth contacting a dermatologist as soon as possible to clarify the causes of the boil and develop effective tactics for its treatment.

Diagnostic methods

It is possible to accurately establish the development of the boil already with an external examination of the patient. Additional information about the disease will be given by the results of clinical and biochemical blood tests, as well as cultural diagnostics to identify the type of bacterial infection. The latter method will allow you to select effective antibiotic drugs that will help destroy the pathogen and reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease.

Treatment

The main method of treating furunculosis is the use of topical topical agents that relieve the inflammatory process and pain syndrome.The course is based on the sequential intake of antibiotics, antiseptic and analgesic drugs. If there is a likelihood of developing an abscess, it is possible to surgically open the boil with the extraction of its contents and the treatment of the site of inflammation. It is possible to use UHF therapy, which demonstrates high efficiency at any stage of the development of the disease.

Please note: it is categorically unacceptable to self-medicate, as well as to try to open the boil yourself to extract its contents.In addition, it is important to change clothes and bedding more often, strictly follow the rules of personal hygiene, but limit the effect of raw water on the affected area.

Methods of prevention

You can reduce the risk of infection with staphylococcal bacteria and the development of furunculosis if:

• to monitor the cleanliness of the body, take a shower regularly;
• carefully handle injuries and cuts;
• lead a healthy lifestyle;
• exercise regularly;
• to diversify the diet, focusing on foods with a high content of vitamins.

In addition, it is important to promptly treat emerging diseases of internal organs, as well as dress for the season, avoiding overheating or hypothermia of the body.

Treatment of furunculosis in JSC “Medicine” (Clinic of Academician Roitberg)

Qualified therapists and dermatologists of Medicina JSC (Academician Roitberg’s clinic) in the Central Administrative District of Moscow are ready to receive and examine patients with suspected furunculosis. To confirm the diagnosis, it is recommended to undergo a comprehensive examination in our own laboratory center.Treatment is prescribed on an individual basis, and its course and results are strictly controlled by specialists. Each client is guaranteed a tactful and attentive attitude, confidentiality of personal information, as well as comfort and safety during diagnostic and medical procedures.

How to open a boil yourself?

Dermatologists categorically do not recommend trying to cope with inflammation on your own, wanting to squeeze out the purulent contents and the boil core at home.This is dangerous by secondary infection, the spread of the inflammatory process to healthy tissues, the formation of new areas of inflammation and blood poisoning. The decision to open a boil is made only by a surgeon of a specialized medical institution, and only he has the right to carry out such manipulations.

What does a boil look like?

A boil is a lump or red tubercle with a purulent head visible on the surface of the skin.When you touch its surface, a relatively strong pain is felt, the skin around is noticeably inflamed, its temperature is increased. The most common places of development are the back of the head, the back of the arms, the lower back, and the face. The rash can be single or massive, its symptoms do not depend on the number of points of inflammation.

Why do boils appear?

It is possible to accurately answer this question only after a thorough diagnosis of the boil.Among the most probable reasons are infection of the hair follicle of the skin with staphylococcus bacteria against the background of vitamin deficiency, violation of personal hygiene rules, wearing too tight clothes, poor-quality antiseptic treatment of abrasions and skin injuries. Also, the disease can be caused by intensive work of the sebaceous and sweat glands, the secret of which is a favorable environment for bacteria.

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90,000 causes and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Reasons for the formation of a boil

The main reasons for the formation of boils is a decrease in immunity and metabolic disorders.Pathology can also develop as a result of mechanical injuries, into which staphylococcus penetrates. Hypothermia of the body, as well as hereditary predisposition are factors that contribute to the development of purulent infection.

Symptoms

The furuncle develops gradually, going through three stages: the formation of an infiltrate, suppuration and rejection of a purulent rod, healing. At the first stage, tingling, burning, throbbing is felt. The area gradually turns red, becomes denser and rises slightly above the skin.

In the center of the cone-shaped inflamed area, the upper part of the purulent capsule is visible – a pustule. On the fourth day, the abscess acquires a maximum size – from one to three cm in diameter. After “ripening”, the pustule is opened (usually spontaneously or from accidental touch), and pus comes to the surface. The capsule is separated by light pressure on the adjacent skin areas or “pushed” by special preparations.

If boils appear in several places or, after healing of one abscess, the next one quickly forms, then it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis to identify the cause of the disease.

Treatment of a boil

For the treatment of furunculosis, antibiotic therapy is used (injections of antibiotics into the tissues surrounding the abscess), UV irradiation, physiotherapy, injections of vitamins, the introduction of fruits rich in vitamin C into the diet. Bandages with ointment are applied to the boil (during the ripening period), and after rejection pustules, the wound is treated with antiseptic solutions. Comprehensive treatment gives good results.

Warning

No complications occur with proper treatment.But if the patient tries to squeeze out or open an unripe boil or takes hot baths, visits a sauna, the consequences can be serious – the infection will spread throughout the body. In this case, long-term inpatient treatment will be required. It is especially dangerous to injure abscesses that are localized near the lymph nodes – in this case, lymphadenitis develops rapidly (no less dangerous disease than blood poisoning).

Even if only one boil appears, be sure to consult a dermatologist!

Furunculosis and its complications are effectively treated in our clinic.We will diagnose, establish the cause of the disease, prescribe adequate treatment and prevent the formation of scars at the site of the abscess.

What is a boil and carbuncle – blog of the ON Clinic medical center

Carbuncle treatment at home

The main rule in treating a carbuncle at home is to avoid damage or irritation, because this can lead to the formation of a deep scar and the spread of infection deep into the skin or to healthy areas.

To reduce painful sensations, to accelerate maturation, opening and healing of the carbuncle, you need to make warm compresses. The heat increases the flow of blood to the abscess, which means more of the infection-fighting white blood cells are sent to it. The carbuncle matures faster, the pus comes out and the wound clears up and begins to heal.

To reduce the risk of spreading infection, the following steps should be followed when applying the compress:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap, preferably antibacterial.
2. Gently rinse the carbuncle with warm water.
3. Apply to it with a clean cloth soaked in warm water and wrung out slightly. Leave on for 15-20 minutes. You can use a heating pad instead of a damp compress. Before that, you need to cover the abscess with a clean, dry cloth or sterile dressing. The procedure is recommended to be carried out 3-4 times a day.

The wrap cloth should be washed in hot water and dried at high temperature or ironed after each use.Hands should be thoroughly washed after each touch of the carbuncle. In order not to spread the infection, clothes, bed linen and towels in contact with the abscess must be washed immediately.

When the chirium is opened, a sterile bandage is applied to it, which is changed regularly. If, after several days of treatment at home, the carbuncle continues to grow and causes pain, then you need to go to the doctor in order to prevent the situation from worsening and the penetration of the infection into the blood. For the treatment of carbuncles, the following are usually prescribed:

• antibiotics in the form of ointments or tablets for oral administration;
• pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol;
• Antibacterial external agents for daily treatment of carbuncle.

In some cases, minor surgery may be required. The doctor will open the carbuncle under local anesthesia, carefully remove all the pus and rinse its cavity with a sterile solution. This will help the chirium heal faster and reduce the risk of scarring. A sample of pus can be sent to a laboratory to identify the type of bacteria and determine their sensitivity to antibiotics. Antibacterial drugs are prescribed in the presence of:

• high temperature;
• drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus;
• secondary infection of the soft tissues surrounding the carbuncle;
• weakened immunity;
• The infection spreads to other parts of the body.

If all the pus from the carbuncle is removed, then antibiotics are not prescribed, because in this case the wound itself heals well. Depending on the severity, most carbuncles heal within two to three weeks after treatment.

90,000 ᐈ How to cure a boil (boil)? ~ 【Kiev】

Treatment of a boil

The tactics of treating a boil is determined by the clinical case. In mild manifestations, it can be limited to the use of local drugs and physiotherapy procedures.If necessary, conservative therapy is supplemented by the appointment of antibiotics. In difficult cases, the surgeon removes the boil to open the abscess.

During treatment, you should carefully follow the rules of personal hygiene, do not touch the inflammation focus with dirty hands, change bed linen and clothes more often, limit the effect of raw water on the affected area. It is strictly forbidden to try to squeeze out or puncture the abscess.

In mild cases, treatment is limited to the appointment of physiotherapeutic procedures (UHF, dry heat) at the stage of maturation and the application of dressings with ointments that accelerate the opening of the purulent cavity.With boils on the face, keratolytic agents that accelerate the opening of the abscess are used. After its spontaneous drainage, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing ointments are used. With poor discharge of pus, proteolytic enzymes are prescribed.

With uncomplicated boils, it is permissible to use some folk remedies to accelerate the ripening of an abscess. For this, compresses from potatoes or aloe can be used. They are used only in consultation with a doctor.After opening the abscess, it is better to take the drugs prescribed by a specialist.

Antibiotics, taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen, are prescribed for large or multiple abscesses, the appearance of abscesses on the face, frequent relapses, the appearance of signs of spreading phlegmon, the risk of endocarditis and other complications. Systemic treatment with antibacterial drugs is prescribed for patients with pathologies of the immune system.

With the frequent occurrence of abscesses and multiple boils, treatment of identified chronic diseases is recommended.The course of therapy in such cases is prescribed by a specialized specialist. If necessary, it is recommended to take immunomodulators, sometimes – autohemotherapy, ultraviolet and laser blood irradiation (UFOK and ILBI). Some patients are prescribed the introduction of a staphylococcal vaccine or toxoid, taking gamma globulin.

If conservative therapy is ineffective, surgical treatment is recommended. It is carried out using classical methods or with a laser.

Operations are performed under local anesthesia.After opening the abscess, purulent exudate and areas of necrosis are removed. Tissues are treated with antibiotics or antiseptics. Drainage is carried out if necessary. A sterile bandage with antibacterial ointment is applied to the wound.

When using laser technology, there is no need for local anesthesia. This method gives an additional disinfecting effect, bloodless and does not leave behind scars. Thanks to the laser, tissues heal faster.

The doctor chooses the optimal method for removing the boil.After the operation, the patient is prescribed drug therapy and dressings are performed.

90,000 Furunculosis. The specificity of the development of furunculosis

Furunculosis (from Latin furunculus – chiry) is a chronic relapsing process, accompanied by purulent-necrotic inflammation of the hair follicle and connective tissue. It is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Furunculosis should be talked about if multiple boils appear on the skin.

Boils (chirias) can appear on almost any hairy part of the body: arms, legs, buttocks, neck, back, forearms. The disease affects the face, often inflammation forms in the area of ​​the nose and cheeks. The place on the skin that was injured is at risk – boils often form there.

Reasons for appearance:

• skin contamination
• increased secretion of sweat and sebaceous glands
• weakened immunity
• stress
• diabetes mellitus
• skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, scabies)
• unhealthy diet (a large amount of carbohydrates, as well as a lack of vitamins in the diet)
• foci of chronic infection in the body (caries, pharyngitis, tonsillitis)

Stages of furuncle formation:

• Infiltration development
• Suppuration and necrosis
• Healing

At the very beginning of the disease, a small painful formation, similar to a red pimple, can be seen on the surface of the skin.It is characterized by the presence of a rod, as well as purulent contents, which, as the boil matures, the size of which reaches 1-3 cm in diameter, is opened (about 5-7 days). The pain gradually subsides, the necrotic tissue is rejected, after which scarring occurs. With multiple simultaneous formation of boils, the general condition of the patient may deteriorate markedly, weakness develops, headache increases, and the temperature rises.

Furunculosis is acute and chronic.The acute form begins with a violent manifestation of symptoms. The disease lasts from 7 to 15 days and, with proper therapy, is cured. In the chronic form, relapses occur, boils sometimes appear several times a year. As a rule, the main reason is a weakened immune system. The process is characterized by a sluggish course with periodic exacerbations.

Chronic recurrent furunculosis is classified by severity:

• mild – there are single small boils, recurrent 1-2 times a year.
• medium degree – the appearance of either single or multiple boils, the exacerbation of which occurs a maximum of 3 times a year. The general condition is satisfactory.
• severe degree is characterized by disseminated, constantly recurrent foci of inflammation, which are accompanied by symptoms of acute intoxication of the body.

Treatment

After correct diagnosis, the doctor prescribes treatment. It largely depends on the form and stage of the disease.If this is an exacerbation, then local therapy is carried out, which consists mainly in antiseptic treatment of the inflammation focus using special ointments and solutions. When the boil ripens, antibiotics are injected around it. After opening, the resulting cavity is washed with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

Since one of the reasons for the development of furunculosis can be a disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the endocrine system, treatment of pathologies of these organs is prescribed.If an allergy is a concomitant factor, then the doctor additionally prescribes antihistamines. Quite often, with chronic furunculosis, they resort to a radical way to solve the problem – surgical intervention, since other methods of treatment become ineffective.

How to treat a boil so as not to get blood poisoning

The desire to pick out an unaesthetic boil cost the lives of many famous people. The same Joseph Ignace Guillotin, who is credited with the invention of the guillotine.Or the great Russian composer Alexander Scriabin. But let’s not talk about bad things ahead of time.

What is a boil

Boils or boils are called dense rounded abscesses, abscesses, sometimes swelling on the surface of the skin.

It looks unpleasant. Something like this (other sizes and degrees of reddening of the epidermis around are possible):

medicalnewstoday.com

It feels even more unpleasant. Unlike a common pimple, which at first can be confused with a developing abscess, the boil hurts, and the skin next to it looks inflamed and often has a high temperature.And in general, this is logical if you understand where the muck came from.

Why do boils appear

Bacteria ^{, more precisely staphylococci, are to blame for everything. They live on the skin of each of us and in most cases do not cause much trouble. However, under certain conditions, a violation of the peace treaty is possible.}

In case of injury, mechanical damage (for example, constant friction) or a decrease in skin immunity (it is caused by a variety of reasons: from vitamin deficiency to diabetes), staphylococci can penetrate the skin.In particular, in the hair follicle – the sac from which the hairs grow.

Inflammation develops in the hair follicle, so there is always a hair in the center of the boil.

In response to aggression, the body sends leukocytes – white blood cells – into the same sac, whose task is to absorb and digest insolent microbes. Destroying the infection, leukocytes die on their own – this is how pus is formed.

When they die, the defenders release substances that cause a local inflammatory reaction.Therefore, the skin around the battlefield swells, turns red, and becomes hot.

Redness and soreness persist until the boil is opened and emptied. The stages of this process look something like this:

Why the boil is dangerous

The hair follicle is closely connected with the blood vessels. If you inadvertently damage them (for example, trying to squeeze pus out of an immature boil, where leukocytes have not yet won a victory over microbes), bacteria can enter the bloodstream.And this is fraught with blood poisoning.

Together with the blood, microbes enter the internal organs, because of which they begin to malfunction.

Boils on the face, neck or scalp are especially dangerous in this regard. The infection quickly enters the brain and can lead to meningitis, cerebral vein thrombosis and other extremely unpleasant conditions.

How to treat a boil at home

Better – nothing. If you have a boil, the most thoughtful decision would be to go to a doctor – a therapist, dermatologist or surgeon.The specialist will examine the abscess, assess its location and size, analyze your health status and, based on the results, give recommendations on how best to treat the boil specifically for you. These are the recommendations that will have to be diligently followed at home.

If you have not yet seen a doctor, home treatment can only be as follows ^:

• Use warm compresses. They will help reduce pain and speed up the maturation of the boil. Gently apply gauze soaked in warm water 3-4 times a day for 15 minutes.
• Apply antiseptic ointments with a pulling effect to the boil: ichthyol, heparin, synthomycin (which one to choose, it is better to consult a doctor)

Never open an abscess with a needle and do not squeeze out pus!

• If the boil has opened on its own, thoroughly wash the wound with antibacterial soap, then treat with any antiseptic – it can be alcohol-based. Apply a topical antibacterial ointment, such as levomekol or tetracycline, and apply a bandage.Rinse the wound with warm water 2-3 times a day and apply warm compresses until it heals.

When you need to see a doctor urgently

If, in addition to a boil, you have at least one of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• Fever (rise in body temperature above 38.5 ° C).
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• The skin around the boil is distinctly red and hot, and the diameter of the inflammation exceeds 2–3 cm and grows.
• The pain becomes too much, you cannot forget about it.
• New boils appear.

These symptoms indicate that the infection has entered the bloodstream. To prevent the consequences from becoming dire, it is necessary to start taking antibiotics as soon as possible. Only a doctor can pick them up.

Also, special medical attention is required for people who develop a boil against the background of diabetes, problems with the cardiovascular system, iron deficiency anemia, any malfunctions in the immune system, or taking immunosuppressive drugs.In this case, the body’s defenses may not be enough to defeat the infection on its own. Therefore, you will most likely need additional therapy.

Read also

Furuncle in a child – how to treat?

Furunculosis – a disease manifested in the appearance on the skin of two or more foci of purulent inflammation of the hair follicle. These foci are called “boils”. Furunculosis in children requires special attention from adults, and before using any treatment (especially antibiotics), you should accurately find out the causes of the disease.In addition, not all treatment methods can be applied in pediatrics.

Boils are formed as a result of penetration into the hair follicle and sebaceous gland of Staphylococcus aureus (sometimes white). Furunculosis is an unpleasant and rather dangerous disease, especially when this problem occurs in a child, and pustules appear on the face or have chosen the neck area.

Reasons for the appearance of boils

There are a lot of sebaceous, sweat glands, hair follicles in the skin.The hair follicles are surrounded by subcutaneous fatty tissue. If an infection enters the skin, then the development of an acute inflammatory process begins, which is expressed by a boil. If a furuncle appears not in one, but in many places, then such a process is called furunculosis. A boil can occur in parallel with diseases such as hypovitaminosis, diseases of the digestive system, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, a weakened immune system, and frequent hypothermia.

Symptoms of furunculosis

Furuncles are quite painful, and, depending on their location, often interfere with the usual everyday activities.An abscess on the priest interferes with sitting, on the head – turning the head, on the face – it delivers painful sensations when touching the eye or nose, in the armpits it interferes with making movement with the hands.

With furunculosis, a child sometimes shows signs of intoxication. His body temperature rises, his state of health worsens, he suffers from a headache, and his appetite decreases.

Diagnostics

Due to the fact that the foci of inflammation have a superficial location (except for ulcers in the ear), it is not difficult to diagnose furunculosis.However, with prolonged, non-treatable furunculosis, it may be necessary for a detailed diagnosis to establish the exact causes of the disease. In this case, immunodiagnostics is performed, a detailed blood test, and the boil is examined for bacterial inoculation of purulent contents. If the study has not yielded results, it is necessary to do a complete examination of the body, since furunculosis may be the result of any general disease (blood disease, diabetes, etc.).

How to treat boils

Only the doctor will prescribe the correct treatment and explain to the parents what to do with the abscess, given the stage of development of the boil.As a rule, at the initial stage of the disease (before the formation of pus), it is enough to treat the abscess with local ultraviolet radiation, and antibiotics are not required here.

If the boil has passed into the stage of maturation, then the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, more precisely, injecting them into the lesion. You can also treat furunculosis with ichthyol ointment, applying it to the abscess twice a day and covering it with a thin layer of cotton wool. This treatment is repeated until the boil opens. With furunculosis on the face, you can take other treatment, for this there is a decent arsenal of drugs.

When the treatment led to the opening of the abscess, the resulting ulcer should be treated with furacilin or hydrogen peroxide. After that, a bandage with a sodium chloride solution should be applied to the wound.

Prevention of furunculosis

It is important to follow the rules of hygiene, all abrasions and cuts should be immediately treated with aseptic agents. To avoid an abscess in the ear, do not use any sharp objects that could injure you to clean your ears.

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