Boils and Carbuncles

Boil is defined as a bacterial infection which form painful, pus filled blister in your skin. It is occurred when infection occur at hair follicles. Carbuncle is a multiple boil that occur at a same location.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of boils and carbuncles include:

Red painful bump at initial stage
Swelling at affected area
After few days pus is present in the boil
Multiple boils after few days at same site which is called carbuncles

Causes

The most common cause of boils and carbuncles is staphylococcus aureus, a diplococcus gram positive bacterium. Bacteria usually enter the skin through the injured site or by open wounds.

Complications

If left untreated it may lead to a complication called sepsis when bacteria enter into your blood stream and causes widespread infection.

Diagnosis

During checkup at clinic your doctor will diagnosis the boil by looking at them and send the pus sample to test the causative organism for the treatment purpose.

Treatment

Mild cases may resolve on its own at home. But severe condition may require treatment which include:

Antibiotic may help to treat the infection.
Drainage of pus to reduce the infection.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Apply warm cloth at affected area to help in drainage
Clean the area with antibacterial solution
Don’t touch the affected area

Boils and Carbuncles