Pictures on Skin, Causes, and Treatment

Medically Reviewed by Dany Paul Baby, MD on June 26, 2022

A boil is a common, painful infection of a hair follicle and the surrounding skin. It begins as a red lump, then fills with pus as white blood cells rush in to fight the infection. Good home care can often clear up a single boil, also known as a skin abscess. A doctor’s care is needed when a boil resists treatment or develops in certain vulnerable areas of the body.

Boils are usually pea-sized, but can grow as large as a golf ball. Symptoms can include:

• Swelling, redness, and pain
• A white or yellow center or tip
• Weeping, oozing, or crusting

You may also have a general feeling of ill health, fatigue, or a fever, which is reason to call a doctor.

Boils can form anywhere on the body, but they’re most common on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, back, and buttocks. Hairy, sweaty areas are typical sites, as well as areas of friction, such as the inner thighs. Boils can also develop around the ear or near the nose. The pain often worsens as pus collects under the skin, then eases as fluids begin to drain.

Most boils are caused by staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), which many healthy people carry on their skin or in their noses without a problem. When a scrape, cut, or splinter breaks the skin, the bacteria can enter a hair follicle and start an infection. Others boils, such as those associated with acne, develop from clogged pores that become infected.

MRSA can look exactly like an ordinary boil: red, swollen, pus-filled, and tender. But MRSA infections are caused by one particular type of staph that is resistant to many antibiotics. If a skin infection spreads or doesn’t improve after 2-3 days of antibiotics, your doctor may suspect MRSA. The right treatment given promptly is important to heal a MRSA infection and prevent a deeper, more dangerous infection.

Not exactly, but the germs that cause boils (staph) are easily spread through skin-to-skin contact and contaminated objects. These bacteria usually do no harm unless they find a break in the skin. To avoid spreading staph, don’t share towels, bedding, clothes, or sports gear while you have a boil. Avoid touching the boil, and keep it covered. Frequent hand washing can also help prevent spreading the bacteria.

Folliculitis is an inflammation or infection of the hair follicles that can develop into a boil. Tiny pimples with whiteheads appear around individual hairs, sometimes surrounded by red skin. It can be itchy, tender, and uncomfortable, but is typically not as painful or deep as a boil. Shaving or friction from tight clothing can let staph bacteria slip under the skin — the most common cause of both folliculitis and boils.

When several boils form close together and join beneath the skin, it’s called a carbuncle. They are most commonly found on the back and the neck but can develop anywhere. Men are more likely to develop carbuncles than women. A carbuncle tends to lie deeper beneath the skin than a boil and can take longer to heal.

Cystic acne is a type of skin abscess that forms when oil and dead skin cells clog a hair follicle, creating a place where bacteria grow and thrive. It affects deeper skin tissue than regular acne, leading to firm, painful cysts. It’s most commonly on the face and shoulders and typically occurs in the teenage years.

When lumps and pus-filled abscesses repeatedly develop in these areas of the body, it may be a chronic condition called hidradenitis suppurativa. Infection starts in sweat glands and hair follicles that become blocked. Mild cases heal with home care. Several drugs and treatments are available for more serious and recurring cases.

When a boil forms in the skin just above the buttocks crease, it may be a pilonidal abscess. Hair is believed to play a role, and irritation, pressure, and prolonged sitting may also contribute to the development of a cyst here. If a cyst becomes inflamed and infected, it becomes an abscess. Some children are born with a “pilonidal dimple” where infections can crop up. Signs of infection require a doctor’s attention.

The familiar “stye on the eye” is a boil, usually caused by staph bacteria. It starts in the follicle of an eyelash and may be red, warm, swollen, and uncomfortable. A stye is sometimes confused with a chalazion, which is also a lump on the eyelid, but a chalazion is usually painless and is caused by a blocked oil gland, not an infection.

Anyone can develop a boil. The risk increases with:

• Close contact with an infected person
• Acne, eczema, or other causes of breaks in the skin
• Diabetes
• A weakened immune system

You can take care of most boils at home. Apply warm, moist compresses several times a day to help a boil open and drain. After it starts draining, keep it clean, and continue using warm compresses — a clean one every time. Change the bandage often and wash hands well. Resist the urge to squeeze or pop the boil. This can make the infection worse.

If a boil doesn’t heal after a week of home care, call your doctor. Other reasons to call include:

• A boil on the face or spine
• A fever or red streaks coming from the sore
• A very large or painful boil
• A boil that keeps coming back

If the fluid inside a boil doesn’t drain by itself, your doctor may prick the top of the sore with a sterile instrument to be sure it drains completely. A deep infection may be packed with sterile gauze so it continues to drain. Antibiotics and steroid shots are sometimes given to help with healing.

For some people, boils are a recurring problem. In addition to standard treatment, your doctor may try to eliminate or reduce staph bacteria throughout the body. This can include any or all of the following treatments: washing up with a special antiseptic soap, using an antibiotic ointment inside the nose, or, if necessary, 1-2 months of antibiotics taken by mouth.

Most boils heal with home treatment or a doctor’s visit. Sores on the face may require antibiotics because they’re so close to the eyes and brain. Rarely, the staph bacteria from a boil or carbuncle can get into the bloodstream, which can then affect the heart and other internal organs.

Since bacteria are everywhere in our environments and on many people’s skin, the best defense against boils includes:

• Hand washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Careful cleaning of cuts, scrapes, and other wounds
• Keeping wounds covered
• Not sharing towels, sheets, razors, etc.

Wash towels, sheets, and anything else in contact with an infected area in very hot water. Throw away any wound dressings in a tightly sealed bag.

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REFERENCES:

Nemours Foundation: “Staph Infections.”

Skinsight.com: “MRSA.”

University of Chicago Medical Center: “MRSA FAQ.”

Merck Manual of Medical Information, 2nd Home Edition: “Folliculitis and Skin Abscesses.”

NIH Genetics Home Reference: “Hidradenitis Suppurativa.”

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation: “What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?”

American Academy of Ophthalmology: “What Are Chalazia and Styes?”

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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

Furuncle (boil) – symptoms, causes, signs and methods of treatment in adults in “SM-Clinic”

This disease is treated by a Dermatologist
, Surgeon

• About the disease
• Types of boils
• Symptoms of a boil
• Causes of boil development
• Diagnostics
• Expert opinion
• Treatment of furunculosis
• Prevention
• Rehabilitation
• Questions and answers
• Doctors

About the disease

A furuncle is also called a boil. It occurs more often in adulthood. Men are affected somewhat more often than women. The main peak of incidence falls on the autumn and spring periods, when the body’s defenses weaken.

Unlike ostiofolliculitis and folliculitis, the formation of a furuncle is accompanied by the involvement of the surrounding tissue in the inflammatory process. This is due to the severe course of the disease.

On places devoid of hair (palms and palmar surface of the fingers, soles) boils do not develop. Most often they occur on areas of the skin that are subject to contamination (forearms, back of the hand) and friction (back of the neck, lower back, gluteal region, thighs).

Types of boils

Depending on the number of formations, single and multiple boils are distinguished. In the latter case, the disease is called furunculosis.

In the process of development, pathology passes through three successive stages:

• infiltrative: accompanied by tissue infiltration;
• purulent-necrotic: characterized by purulent fusion of the central part of the boil and the formation of a purulent-necrotic rod;
• healing stage: begins from the moment of spontaneous or artificial opening of the abscess and lasts until the formation of a scar.

Symptoms of a boil

At the initial stage of the development of the disease, the patient feels slight itching and tingling. On the 1st-2nd day, a formation appears that protrudes conically above the skin. The tissues turn red and become painful when touched. As the boil matures, a head appears on its top – a small accumulation of pus with a black dot in the center.

On the 3-7th day in the form of a rod, together with the remnants of the hair, they are excreted with pus. The resulting wound is cleaned, filled with granulation tissue and healed. The swelling around it gradually decreases, the pain disappears. A small, whitish, somewhat retracted scar remains at the site of inflammation.

Multiple lesions of boils that appear simultaneously or sequentially one after another in different parts of the body – called furunculosis. A disease that lasts with small remissions for several years is considered chronic, relapsing.

Furuncle usually does not cause significant disturbances in well-being. With the defeat of a significant amount of tissue, symptoms of intoxication appear: weakness, headaches, fever. The intensity of pain depends on the location of the formation. In the face area (lips, forehead), as well as on the scrotum, the formation of a boil is accompanied by swelling of the surrounding tissues, which is explained by the looseness of the subcutaneous tissue.

Causes of the development of a boil

The main cause of the development of a furuncle is the defeat of the hair follicle or its surrounding tissues by Staphylococcus aureus, rarely white. An important factor is also a decrease in general or local immunity against the background of chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, and infections. Pathology occurs especially often in patients with diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic liver and kidney damage, oncological diseases, etc. Infection of tissues often occurs against the background of skin damage: scratches, cuts, abrasions, constant exposure to sweat or purulent discharge (from the nose, ears).

The causes of localized furunculosis are most often incorrect methods of therapy and ignoring the doctor’s recommendations (use of compresses, undertreatment of residual compaction, washing the place where the elements appear).

Get advice

If you experience these symptoms, we recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor. Timely consultation will prevent negative consequences for your health.

You can find out more about the disease, prices for treatment and sign up for a consultation with a specialist by phone:

+7 (495) 292-39-72

Request a call back
Book online

Why SM-Clinic?

1

Treatment is carried out in accordance with clinical guidelines

2

Comprehensive assessment of the nature of the disease and treatment prognosis

3

Modern diagnostic equipment and own laboratory

9000 2 4

High level of service and balanced pricing policy

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of boils is not difficult. During a visual examination of the patient, a dermatologist discovers a characteristic formation. Its appearance allows you to assess the stage of development of the disease. During the conversation, the doctor determines the possible cause of the development of boils, identifies risk factors. For an accurate diagnosis and determination of the pathogen, bakposev of the discharge is prescribed. In case of multiple lesions, additional diagnostics is carried out:

• general and biochemical blood test;
• immunogram;
• assessment of hormone levels;
• examination by ENT, endocrinologist and other specialists;
• examination of internal organs, paranasal sinuses, lungs, etc. depending on the specific clinical situation.

Expert opinion

Furuncle is a rather serious disease, which should be treated with great care. In no case should you self-medicate: you should not make compresses, use various ointments – in most cases this leads to the spread of the inflammatory process.

A complication of a boil can be lymphadenitis and lymphangitis (damage to the lymphatic vessels and nodes). Of particular danger are rapidly progressing acute thrombophlebitis and sepsis.

Acute thrombophlebitis usually develops with boils located near the large saphenous veins, and sepsis – with boils of the face. They are often the result of attempts to squeeze out the contents of the boil, cutting it off during shaving, trauma during massage. The prognosis for these complications is very serious.

Omarova Andzhelika Mutaevna

Coloproctologist, surgeon, Ph.D.

Treatment of furunculosis

Treatment of furuncle is only surgical, because no other therapy will be successful if the focus of purulent inflammation is not removed or opened and drained in a timely manner.

The opening of the boil is usually performed under local anesthesia and is painless for the patient. At the same time, antibiotic therapy, means for correcting immunity and eliminating background pathologies, if any, are prescribed.

Simple (uncomplicated) lesions can be treated on an outpatient basis and do not require hospitalization. But in case of a severe course, if the patient develops swelling of the soft tissues of the cheek, lip or eye, urgent hospitalization is necessary in the surgical department to constantly monitor the development of the process and prevent complications.

Strict bed rest and appropriate therapy are prescribed for high fever.

Prevention

To minimize the risk of developing boils, it is necessary to regularly cleanse the skin of impurities and fully treat any tissue damage. People with hyperhidrosis and/or excess sebum need to pay special attention to hygiene. General measures are also important: proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, timely treatment of acute and chronic diseases.

Rehabilitation

After opening an uncomplicated boil, the patient goes home after 1-2. In the next 2 weeks, he needs to regularly visit a doctor for dressings, take prescribed medications. It is strictly forbidden to play sports, swim in open water or pools, overheat.

Questions and Answers

No. Self-medication and the use of folk remedies can cause complications.

Yes, when a purulent focus is located on the face, the infection can go to the meninges.

Gostishchev Victor Kuzmich. Clinical operative purulent surgery. Guide for doctors. GEOTAR-Media, 2016

Rodionov Anatoly Nikolaevich, Sydikov Akmal Abdikaharovich, Zaslavsky Denis Vladimirovich. Clinical dermatology. Illustrated guide for doctors. GEOTAR-Media, 2022

Nikolsky V. Yu., Imbryakov K. V. Furuncles and carbuncles of the face // Russian Dental Journal. 2013. No. 5.

Okulich V.K., Fedyanin S.D. RATIONAL USE OF ANTIBACTERIAL DRUGS IN PATIENTS WITH PURULENT WOUNDS, FURUNCULOSIS, FURUNCULES AND CARBUNCULES // Bulletin of the Voronezh State Medical University. 2003. No. 4.

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Diseases referred by the Surgeon

Soft tissue abscess
liver abscess
Appendicitis
Ascites
Atheroma
femoral hernia
Crohn’s disease
Gangrene
soft tissue hematoma
Giant cell tumor of bone
Hygroma
festering wounds
Hernia
Hernia of the white line of the abdomen
hiatal hernia
Diastasis rectus abdominis
Intestinal diverticulosis
Cholelithiasis
Keratoma
liver cyst
pancreatic cyst
salivary gland cyst
Neck cyst
stab wound
stab wound
Lipoma
Mechanical jaundice
Bowel obstruction
burns
Oleogranuloma
kidney tumor
Acute pancreatitis
Felon
Pancreatic necrosis
Inguinal hernia
Peritonitis
Barrett’s esophagus
Postoperative hernia
Umbilical hernia
Cancer of the extrahepatic bile ducts
Stomach cancer
gallbladder cancer
bowel cancer
adrenal cancer
Parathyroid Cancer
Liver cancer
Esophageal carcinoma
colon cancer
thyroid cancer
Fistula of the gallbladder
Seroma
Thyroiditis
Intestinal injury
vein thrombosis
Thrombophlebitis
Furunculosis
cholestasis
Cholecystitis
Chronic cholecystitis
Esophageal ulcer
Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum

Diseases referred to Dermatologist

Acne (pimples)
Allergic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis
warts
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis)
Herpes (herpes virus 1, 2 types)
Hyperhidrosis (sweating)
Foot hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
Hyperkeratosis
Hyperkeratosis of the nails
Nail fungus (onychomycosis)
foot fungus
demodicosis
Dermatitis
Nail deformation
diabetic foot
Ichthyosis
Keratoma
warts
molluscum contagiosum
contact dermatitis
Hives
Couperose
Lichen
calluses
corns
Nevuses (moles)
Neurodermatitis
Onychodystrophy
Onycholysis
Rash under the breast
Pityriasis versicolor
Papillomas
Inguinal epidermophytosis
Pediculosis
Skin pigmentation
plantar warts
Loss of skin tone and elasticity
Prickly heat
Psoriasis
Pemphigus
Rosacea
Seborrheic dermatitis
seborrhea
Cracked feet
Acne
Folliculitis
Furunculosis
Scabies
Eczema

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treatment, opening, removal, treatment and ointments

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What is a boil?

Furuncle is an infection of the hair follicle leading to the formation of a cavity with accumulation of pus and dead tissue ^{1. 8} .

Both a single furuncle and furunculosis may appear – many boils at different stages of development.

According to the international classification of diseases (ICD-10) , diseases accompanied by the appearance of a boil are indicated by the name “Skin abscess, furuncle and carbuncle” and have the code L02 .

Formation of a boil

What symptoms may accompany the appearance of a boil?

• The appearance of nodules (papules) of various sizes, sometimes with an abscess
• Localization of lesions in the face, neck, thighs, buttocks
• Infection of neighboring follicles and the formation of a larger abscess, known as a carbuncle
• Scar formation after healing of lesions defeat

Causes of a boil

• Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the most common causative agent, but other bacteria can also cause infections.
• For example, with boils in the genital area, as well as the buttocks, intestinal bacteria such as enterobacteria (Enterobacteriaceae) and enterococci (Enterococci) become frequent pathogens ^{1. 7} .
• In addition, corynebacteria (Corynebacterium), epidermal staphylococcus (S. epidermidis) and beta-hemolytic streptococcus group A (S. pyogenes) can be the causative agents of infection in a boil.
• Recurrent boils are most often caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus) ¹ .

Factors provoking the appearance of a boil

In addition to the direct effect of the pathogen, various provoking factors can contribute to the onset of the disease:

• Physical contact with infected people
• Anemia

9000 5 Prior antibiotic therapy

• Diabetes mellitus
• Poor personal hygiene
• Decreased immunity
• Skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, chronic wounds or ulcers on the legs)
• Obesity and hematological disorders

How does a boil occur?

Maturation stage:

• Formation of edematous and painful thickening (infiltrate) of bright red color.
• Accumulation of fluid in a closed cavity, as indicated by the appearance of a symptom of fluctuation (fluctuation) in the central part of the seal.
• Formation of a purulent-necrotic shaft (hair base surrounded by pus and dead tissue).
• Opening of a boil with separation of purulent-necrotic masses.

Healing stage:

• Filling the formed “capacity” with young connective tissue (granulation).
• Scar formation (scar, rough connective tissue) ⁸ .

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on the basis of a visual examination and data from various research methods that a doctor can choose:

During visual inspection of , attention should be paid to the presence of a seal (infiltrate), in which 1 purulent core is located.

Culture of swabs from lesions is performed to identify the pathogen and determine its sensitivity to antibiotics.

Blood chemistry – to detect diabetes (glucose or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)).

Complete blood count – to exclude systemic infection and diseases of internal organs (an increased number of leukocytes, an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate indicate severe inflammation).

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) – detection of HIV infection in relapses of the disease ¹ .

How is a boil treated?

Several approaches are used in the treatment of a boil.

Surgical treatment

It is important to note that surgical treatment is carried out at the stage when a closed cavity filled with pus has formed in the boil.

• An abscess (accumulation of purulent contents) is opened.
• After an incision, cotton and gauze swabs may need to be inserted into the wound to remove liquid content (drainage).

Treatment directed at the pathogen (etiotropic treatment)

Etiotropic treatment consists in the appointment of systemic antimicrobial drugs that act on the pathogen. It is carried out in the presence of symptoms of acute inflammation: high body temperature, headache, general weakness, lethargy, as well as in the presence of a boil on the face and multiple boils – furunculosis ^1.8 .

Please note that squeezing out the contents of the boil and doing massage near it is strictly prohibited!

Topical treatment of a boil depending on the stage of development

Stage of induration (infiltration) development

At the stage of formation of a painful edematous induration, the skin is treated with 70% alcohol or a solution based on povidone-iodine (Betadine ^® ) . Antibiotics, electrophoresis with antiseptics can also be used.

In order to accelerate the maturation of the boil, it is recommended to apply warm compresses with 20–30% ethyl alcohol or 5–10% aqueous solution of ichthyol for 1–3 days. It is also possible to use ointments containing the following medicines ¹⁰ :

• Povidone-iodine (Betadine ^® ) has an antiseptic effect, thanks to the macrogol in its composition, it helps to “pull out” pus. Promotes the destruction of harmful microorganisms and reduces the inflammatory process.
• Kalanchoe (phytopreparation) has an anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect.
• Dimethyl sulfoxide has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic effects.
• Tar and xeroform have an antimicrobial and regenerating effect.
• Pine oleoresin , which has an antimicrobial and regenerating effect.
• Ichthyol has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, keratoplastic (accelerates the formation of the stratum corneum) and analgesic effect.
• Salicylic acid which softens the stratum corneum and has an antimicrobial effect.

After opening the boil, it is advisable to accelerate the separation of purulent-necrotic masses (purulent core). Therefore, therapeutic tactics include the removal of liquid contents (drainage), the application of dressings with hypertonic solution, as well as ointments with proteolytic enzymes (Clostridiopeptidase A + Chloramphenicol), which have antibacterial, wound cleansing and wound healing effects.

Healing stage

It is recommended to apply sterile gauze soaked in a disinfectant, such as povidone-iodine (Betadine 9) to the central part of the lesion.0235 ® ) and ichthyol along the edge. It is possible to carry out physiotherapeutic procedures, for example, surface UHF therapy, infrared radiation.

At any stage of development of a boil, antiseptic treatment is very important, which helps to avoid the spread of infection and destroy the infection in the boil.

Antiseptic treatment of boils with preparations based on povidone-iodine (Betadine®)

Iodophors have proven themselves as a local antiseptic. Iodophors consist of complexes of iodine molecules with a carrier. In aqueous solution, iodophors release iodine molecules. The best known iodophor is Betadine ^® . This drug is an iodine complex with a water-soluble polymer – povidone ¹¹ .
Preparations Betadine ^® have antimicrobial activity, act against gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria. In addition, povidone-iodine is active against fungi, viruses, and protozoa. The drug has a high safety profile ^13-15 .

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• The antimicrobial action of occurs after free iodine is separated from povidone. The release occurs gradually, so the antiseptic effect is prolonged. Free iodine quickly penetrates microbes, destroys their structures, causing the death of harmful microorganisms.
• The virucidal effect of is also achieved due to the destruction of the membranes and intracellular structures of viruses by the released iodine from the povidone-iodine complex ¹² .
• In addition, povidone-iodine, which is part of Betadine ^® , , has activity against biofilms of certain types of microbes and thereby accelerates the healing process. Biofilms are a multitude of microorganisms that stick together and prevent the healing of affected areas ¹⁵ .
• Studies show that povidone-iodine does not cause “addiction” in microbes (development of resistance to it) ¹⁶ .

Betadine ^® is available in a variety of formulations for use as an antiseptic. For the treatment of a boil, it is used in the form of a solution and ointment.

• The undiluted solution is applied to the area of ​​the boil ¹³ .
• Betadine ointment ^® is applied in a thin layer 2-3 times a day, it can be applied under an occlusive (isolating from air and water) dressing ¹⁴ .

Prevention of the occurrence of boils

• Personal hygiene is necessary, especially after touching infected skin or objects that have been in direct contact with the boil.
• Reuse or sharing of personal items (disposable/electric shavers, epilators, bedding, towels that have been in contact with infected skin) should be avoided.
• Increased environmental hygiene measures should be directed to surfaces (i.e. counters, doorknobs, tubs and toilet seats) that may come into contact with bare skin – these should be treated with antiseptics ⁹ .

Frequently asked questions

Which diseases have similar symptoms?

Carbuncle, anthrax, tularemia, acne conglobate, purulent hydradenitis, reaction to a foreign body and other types of abscesses have similar symptoms ^1.8 .

Can complications occur with furunculosis?

The most common complications of furunculosis are scarring and recurrence of the disease. There is also the possibility of developing endocarditis, pneumonia, myositis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, meningitis and brain abscess after infection with Staphylococcus aureus ¹ .

Which doctor should I contact?

A dermatologist will make a correct diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment. If surgery is necessary, the assistance of a surgeon will be required. In addition, in the presence of concomitant diseases, a consultation with a therapist, endocrinologist, immunologist is needed.

Kraskovsky Fedor Yanovich

Surgeon.

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References

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