What are boils caused from: Carbuncle – Mayo Clinic

06.10.202317.07.2023 by alexxlab

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Boils – Better Health Channel

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Summary

Read the full fact sheet

A boil is an infection of a hair follicle, caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus.
Boils usually resolve by themselves, but severe or recurring cases require medical attention.
Medical treatment may include antibiotics and lancing.

A boil, or furuncle, is an infection of a hair follicle caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). This common bacterium inhabits the skin, and approximately one third of the population carry the germ in their noses. S. aureus is usually harmless, but it can cause a range of mild to severe infections, if it gains access to deeper tissues. Certain areas of the body are more susceptible to boils, including the face, throat, armpits, groin and buttocks. A boil on the eyelid is known as a stye. A carbuncle is an aggregate of connected furuncles and has several pustular openings. Boils usually resolve by themselves, but severe or recurring cases require medical treatment. Options include lancing and draining the boil, and antibiotics.

Symptoms of boils

The evolution of a boil includes:

A small area of skin becomes inflamed and tender
A painful lump appears
After a few days, a white or yellow head forms
The boil bursts
The pus drains out
The site heals
A scar may form, depending on the severity of the boil.

Risk factors for boils

Cuts, abrasions or scratches allow the bacteria to gain access to deeper tissues. Certain factors make a person more susceptible to outbreaks of boils, including:

Diabetes – recurring boils may be symptomatic of uncontrolled diabetes, especially for people aged over 40 years.
Poor hygiene – sweat and dead skin cells in natural creases and crevices, such as the armpit, provide a hospitable home for bacteria.
Nutrition – inadequate nutrition may reduce a person’s natural immunity.
Broken skin – other skin conditions, such as eczema, can break the skin surface.

Other infections

Staphylococcus bacteria can cause a range of infections, from relatively mild to severe and life threatening. There is a small risk that bacteria may spread from the boil to other areas of the body. Infection can cause inflammation of many organs and tissues, including:

Bone (osteomyelitis)
Heart (endocarditis)
Lung (pneumonia)
Meninges, the membranes lining the central nervous system (meningitis)
Skin (impetigo)
Vein (septic phlebitis).

Self-help options

Suggestions for treating a boil include:

Resist the temptation to squeeze the boil.
Wash the boil with antiseptic soap.
Apply a hot compress for 10 minutes or so, three times daily, to encourage the boil to come to a head.
Cover a burst boil with a bandaid.
Wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of infection.
Use fresh towels every time you wash and dry the infected areas.
See your doctor if the boil isn’t improving after a few days.

Treatment for boils

Medical treatment for a severe boil may include antibiotics and lancing. Boils around the eyes and nose should always be treated by a doctor, because the infection may access the bloodstream and reach the brain. Furunculosis refers to recurring outbreaks of boils. Treatment includes:

Checking for underlying disorders, such as diabetes.
Long term use of antibiotics to rid the body of infection.
Use of antiseptic shampoos and soaps.
Antibiotic creams applied to the nasal membranes, because S. aureus commonly inhabits the nose.
Strict attention to personal hygiene.
Frequent laundering of all bedding and towels.
In some cases, other members of the household will need similar treatment, since S. aureus is contagious.

Where to get help

Your doctor
Chemist
Dermatologist.

Staphylococcus aureus – golden staph, 1999, Better Health Channel, Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne.

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Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 21-08-2014

Boils – Better Health Channel

Actions for this page

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

A boil is an infection of a hair follicle, caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus.
Boils usually resolve by themselves, but severe or recurring cases require medical attention.
Medical treatment may include antibiotics and lancing.

Symptoms of boils

The evolution of a boil includes:

A small area of skin becomes inflamed and tender
A painful lump appears
After a few days, a white or yellow head forms
The boil bursts
The pus drains out
The site heals
A scar may form, depending on the severity of the boil.

Risk factors for boils

Cuts, abrasions or scratches allow the bacteria to gain access to deeper tissues. Certain factors make a person more susceptible to outbreaks of boils, including:

Diabetes – recurring boils may be symptomatic of uncontrolled diabetes, especially for people aged over 40 years.
Poor hygiene – sweat and dead skin cells in natural creases and crevices, such as the armpit, provide a hospitable home for bacteria.
Nutrition – inadequate nutrition may reduce a person’s natural immunity.
Broken skin – other skin conditions, such as eczema, can break the skin surface.

Other infections

Bone (osteomyelitis)
Heart (endocarditis)
Lung (pneumonia)
Meninges, the membranes lining the central nervous system (meningitis)
Skin (impetigo)
Vein (septic phlebitis).

Self-help options

Suggestions for treating a boil include:

Resist the temptation to squeeze the boil.
Wash the boil with antiseptic soap.
Apply a hot compress for 10 minutes or so, three times daily, to encourage the boil to come to a head.
Cover a burst boil with a bandaid.
Wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of infection.
Use fresh towels every time you wash and dry the infected areas.
See your doctor if the boil isn’t improving after a few days.

Treatment for boils

Checking for underlying disorders, such as diabetes.
Long term use of antibiotics to rid the body of infection.
Use of antiseptic shampoos and soaps.
Antibiotic creams applied to the nasal membranes, because S. aureus commonly inhabits the nose.
Strict attention to personal hygiene.
Frequent laundering of all bedding and towels.
In some cases, other members of the household will need similar treatment, since S. aureus is contagious.

Where to get help

Your doctor
Chemist
Dermatologist.

Staphylococcus aureus – golden staph, 1999, Better Health Channel, Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:

Give feedback about this page

Was this page helpful?

More information

Content disclaimer

Reviewed on: 21-08-2014

treatment, causes, symptoms, prevention, types, diagnosis and complications of the disease

Prices Popular questions

About the disease Classification Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Doctor’s opinion Treatment Prevention Rehabilitation % of cases other bacterial flora is present.

The appearance of a pimple on the skin rarely causes a person to turn to doctors. But few people understand that an abscess can turn out to be a boil or a boil. The disease requires a referral to a specialist, especially if abscesses appear one after another. This may indicate serious disorders in the body and high risks of complications.

About disease

Furuncles often form on areas of the skin where there are many sebaceous glands – around the lips, along the back of the neck, on the hands, on the thighs and buttocks. Abscesses do not form on the palms and soles.

The appearance of a boil is often preceded by folliculitis. When you try to squeeze out the contents, the bacteria are carried to the surrounding tissues, which leads to inflammation.

Classification of boils

In the process of its development, the boil passes through several stages, each of which has its own characteristics.

Infiltration. Represents the initial stage of inflammation.
Ripening. A purulent-necrotic core is formed, which is rejected after a few days.
Scarring. The healed wound heals with the formation of a scar.

The duration of the full cycle of development of an abscess is from one to two weeks. With a close location of several foci, their merger is possible. If the inflammatory process extends to the subcutaneous tissue, they are talking about a carbuncle. There are situations when boils are formed at intervals of three or more times a year. This indicates the development of furunculosis.

Symptoms of a boil

The first signs of a boil appear after hypothermia, injury or contamination of damaged skin. The skin around the hair follicle becomes red, swelling appears. Within a few days, it continues to increase with the formation of a cyanotic rod. The pain at this point becomes constant, pronounced, pulsating. In size, the abscess can reach a centimeter in diameter.

A bubble filled with pus forms in the center of the formation. After its self-opening, a purulent crust is formed. When it is removed, a necrotic rod is visible. Ripening continues for 3-4 days. During this time, the rod is torn away, the surrounding tissues are melted, and the contents of the abscess are constantly released from the wound. After complete cleansing, a deep wound remains on the skin.

If an abscess forms on the face, the symptoms of a boil are often accompanied by signs of general intoxication: fever, chills, severe weakness, loss of appetite.

Causes of boil development

The main reason for the formation of a boil is the ingress of bacteria on the skin – untimely change of linen, towels, razors. The presence of provoking factors is important:

skin microtraumas, scratches, scratches;
increased moisture on the skin;
frequent overheating of the body;
violation of the immune system – diabetes, HIV, obesity;
chronic pathologies of the cardiovascular system and metabolic processes;

Uncontrolled intake of antibacterial drugs contributes to the development of resistance and disruption of the natural balance in the opportunistic microflora, which is constantly on the surface of the skin. It also increases the risk of boils.

Diagnosis of boils

Patient examination begins with a questioning. It is important for the doctor to find out what factors preceded the appearance of boils, whether there are chronic diseases, what the patient is doing when an abscess occurs (what ointments to use, whether he tried to squeeze out). During the examination, the condition of the boil, its stage of development, is assessed.

To determine the severity of the disease, a laboratory blood test is prescribed. Only after that a diagnosis is made indicating the form and stage according to the classification of boils.

In the presence of chronic pathologies, additional examinations and consultations of narrow specialists may be required. Diagnosis of a boil necessarily includes an analysis to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics. This will allow you to choose the most effective treatment for boils.

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Learn more about the disease from the doctors of clinic

Doctor’s opinion

Treatment of boils

When there is a painful bump, ie. at the initial stage of the disease, it is possible to treat the boil with conservative methods. Local therapy includes:

Refusal to shave, mechanical trauma to the skin (use of scrubs, washcloths), replacement of skin-clogging cosmetics with lighter ones;
daily treatment of the affected area with antiseptics;
dressing with antibacterial ointment;
taking vitamins in a course prescribed by a doctor.

As a result of these actions, the inflammatory process subsides.

If no action is taken when an abscess occurs, it proceeds to the next stage with the formation of a necrotic rod. Treatment will require surgery. The procedure is performed by a doctor under antiseptic conditions.

Under local anesthesia, the abscess is opened to ensure the outflow of the contents. After removal of the necrotic rod, the wound is washed and closed with a sterile dressing. The procedure takes 10-15 minutes and does not require hospitalization. Exceptions are situations when the abscess is located on the face, accompanied by severe swelling and symptoms of intoxication. To prevent negative consequences after treatment of a boil, it is recommended to observe a doctor in a hospital for 2-3 days.

Prevention of boils

Prevention consists of the following recommendations:

avoid wearing tight clothing made of artificial materials;
exclusion of alcoholic beverages;
strengthening immunity with vitamins and an active lifestyle;
stress minimization;
normalization of nutrition with a sufficient amount of trace elements in the diet;
a competent choice of cosmetics that do not clog pores;
use of antiperspirant instead of deodorant;
skin protection against pollution;
timely treatment of chronic diseases.

Rehabilitation

After opening the boil within 1-2 days, pain, swelling of the tissues is possible. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe analgesics to relieve pain. Perhaps the use of antibiotics. Their expediency is determined in each case individually.

To avoid complications, the patient should regularly change the dressing, treat the wound with prescribed formulations, and take medications. A re-examination by the surgeon is mandatory. The date of the visit is appointed by the doctor.

Sources

The author of the article

Mikhailov Aleksey Gennadievich
Surgeon, oncologist, mammologist, endocrine surgeon Work experience more than 22 years

How a boil develops

The disease is caused by opportunistic pathogens that already exist on human skin. Under favorable conditions (excessive humidity, decreased local immunity), their number begins to grow rapidly, which causes inflammation.

Furuncle in its development sequentially goes through several stages:

The appearance of a seal (infiltrate) in the hair follicle.

There is swelling and redness. When touched, discomfort may occur. After a couple of days, the infiltrate increases in size up to 3 cm, becomes dense. Surrounding tissues swell. This stage lasts 4-5 days.

Suppuration.

The next stage occurs when a necrotic core is formed inside the focus of inflammation. It is formed from dead immune cells (leukocytes). Outwardly, a white head appears in the center of the seal. This is a pustule – a cavity filled with purulent contents.

Excretion of pus and healing of the skin.

The last stage, which ends with the opening of the boil. Ripened pustule erupts. Normally, pus begins to come out along with a necrotic core (purulent internal yellowish plug). Usually this process takes no more than 3 days. A sign that all the purulent contents came out is the appearance of blood. At the site of the boil, an ulcer first forms. Subsequently, it heals and scars. Before the appearance of a light scar, at least 7-10 days pass.

The acute form is characterized by the appearance of numerous boils that replace each other or occur simultaneously. The period of exacerbation can last a couple of weeks, or maybe 2-3 months. It depends on the state of immunity and the type of treatment. In a chronic course, single inflammations occur with a certain frequency. Sometimes the period of calm of the disease can last up to a year.

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Symptoms of a boil

Symptoms depend on the stage of development and the location of the skin disease. The first signs by which a boil can be suspected:

Itching, tingling sensation.
The area of the skin thickens, redness appears.
With the development of the pathological process, the boil acquires the shape of a cone.
Swelling occurs. The size of the inflammation can increase up to 1-3 cm.
Soreness.

The intensity of the manifestations depends on where they are. In areas of the body where there is no hairline (palms, soles of the feet), boils do not develop. Most often they appear in places that are often contaminated or rubbed against clothing. These are the neck, forearm, face, buttocks, lower back, hips.

In rare cases, a boil may appear in the nose, in the ear. In this case, due to inflammation and swelling of the tissues, hearing deteriorates or breathing problems occur. In the groin area, the boil is manifested by severe swelling and pain, which increases with movement.

If competent treatment is started at the stage of infiltration, then the further development of the pathological process can be stopped. After the formation of a purulent-necrotic core and papule, the symptoms intensify. The jerking pain subsides only at the stage of opening and complete cleansing of the boil. With numerous formations, an increase in temperature and a deterioration in general well-being are possible – weakness, lethargy, headache.

Causes of boils

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The main culprit is Staphylococcus aureus or epidermal Staphylococcus aureus. These are common bacteria and it is impossible to avoid contact with them. They are in the environment, in the dust, on the skin. Almost 70% of people in one way or another are carriers of these microorganisms. Some doctors believe that having a certain amount of them in the body is a normal condition and does not require treatment. But this is provided that the bacteria do not lead to the development of health problems.

The presence of one pathogen is not enough to cause an infectious disease. Furunculosis develops in the presence of predisposing factors. They can be internal (endogenous), that is, they depend on the state of the body and the well-being of the person as a whole. As well as external (exogenous) – the influence of the environment.

The group of endogenous causes includes:

Lack of vitamins, beriberi.
Physical exhaustion.
Hormonal failures.
Endocrine diseases.
Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.
Alcoholism.
Decreased immunity, immunodeficiency states.
Excessive sweating.
Increased production of sebum.
Dermatological diseases (dermatitis, eczema).

External provoking causes include careless shaving, combing the skin, small wounds, abrasions, constant friction on clothes, and the use of inappropriate cosmetics. Often the cause of the development of a boil in the armpit is the use of antiperspirants.

One of the reasons is the psychological state. Constant stress leads to increased production of adrenaline (stress hormone). This causes hormonal disorders and adrenal depletion. Also, frequent negative emotions lead to a decrease in the body’s defenses, which gives the green light for the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Furuncle complications

The main consequence of running furunculosis is scarring. With sensitive skin, deep scars form, which have a reddish tint for a long time. The defect is also often combined with contraction of the surrounding tissue. This cosmetic defect does not go away on its own. Professional skin resurfacing required.

In people with poor health, pathology can lead to the formation of a purulent abscess. Another serious consequence is phlegmon. With this formation, the purulent process affects the subcutaneous tissue. Has a tendency to rapidly spread to surrounding tissues.

It is dangerous to have a boil on the upper lip or in the nose. In the absence of proper treatment, the infection can rise higher through the blood vessels into the meninges and cause purulent meningitis. It is also likely that the infection will enter the general circulation, which can cause sepsis. These diseases require urgent hospitalization. In the absence of medical assistance, a fatal outcome is possible.

If the pathological process has arisen in the neck, on the forearm or thigh, then with the spread of inflammation, the lymph nodes are affected and lymphadenitis occurs.

Do I need to see a doctor for a boil?

There are many folk “grandmother’s” recipes, which seem to be designed to help the rapid maturation and opening of the abscess. But all these recipes can lead to disastrous consequences, since, on the contrary, they will contribute to the spread of infection into the deeper layers of the skin. At the stage of suppuration, it is necessary to carry out only a surgical opening in the conditions of a doctor’s office.

Only a dermatologist or surgeon can determine the type of inflammation, as well as the stage of development. To identify the cause, laboratory tests are required, and a skin scraping is done to clarify the pathogen. In chronic rashes, it is recommended to check the patient’s immune status. An important diagnostic point is the test for STIs. Therefore, if purulent pathological processes occur on the skin, be sure to consult a dermatologist.

Furuncle treatment

At the initial stage, when only the first symptoms appeared, conservative methods are used. Local treatment includes:

Elimination of adverse external factors – shaving, friction, cosmetics that clog skin pores.
Treatment according to the scheme of the inflamed area with an antiseptic solution.
Compresses with antibacterial ointment.

A course of vitamins is also recommended. Subject to all the doctor’s recommendations, this may be enough to reduce the inflammatory process.

What are boils caused from: Carbuncle – Mayo Clinic

Boils – Better Health Channel

Actions for this page

Summary

Symptoms of boils

Risk factors for boils

Other infections

Self-help options

Treatment for boils

Where to get help

Give feedback about this page

More information

Content disclaimer

Boils – Better Health Channel

Actions for this page

Summary

Symptoms of boils

Risk factors for boils

Other infections

Self-help options

Treatment for boils

Where to get help

Give feedback about this page

More information

Content disclaimer

treatment, causes, symptoms, prevention, types, diagnosis and complications of the disease

About disease

Classification of boils

Symptoms of a boil

Causes of boil development

Diagnosis of boils

Doctor’s opinion

Treatment of boils

Prevention of boils

Rehabilitation

Sources

Popular questions

Furuncle: causes, symptoms, treatment

How a boil develops

Symptoms of a boil

Causes of boils

Furuncle complications

Do I need to see a doctor for a boil?

Furuncle treatment

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