Boil
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Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Boil | |
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Synonyms | Furuncle |
Pronounce | N/A |
Specialty | N/A |
Symptoms | Redness, pain, swelling, pus |
Complications | Abscess, sepsis, scarring |
Onset | Sudden |
Duration | Days to weeks |
Types | N/A |
Causes | Bacterial infection, commonly Staphylococcus aureus |
Risks | Poor hygiene, diabetes, weakened immune system |
Diagnosis | Physical examination, culture |
Differential diagnosis | Cyst, carbuncle, folliculitis |
Prevention | Good hygiene, antiseptic measures |
Treatment | Incision and drainage, antibiotics |
Medication | Antibiotics such as dicloxacillin, cephalexin |
Prognosis | N/A |
Frequency | Common |
Deaths | N/A |
A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a common, painful skin condition characterized by the inflammation of a hair follicle, leading to an infected, pus-filled bump on the skin.[1] This condition is most often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.
Clinical Presentation
A boil typically begins as a tender, reddened area on the skin that gradually becomes firm, hard, and more sensitive. Over time, the center of the boil softens and fills with pus that eventually forms a head that can be surgically opened or may spontaneously drain.[2]
Causes
The primary cause of a boil is an infection of a hair follicle by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, although other bacteria and fungi can also cause boils. These infections occur when bacteria enter the skin through a hair follicle or a small cut or scratch.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a boil is typically based on its appearance. In some cases, a sample of the pus may be sent to a laboratory to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection and to determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment.[3]
Treatment
Treatment for boils primarily involves relief of discomfort and protection of surrounding skin. Warm compresses can aid in the healing process by increasing blood circulation and promoting the formation of antibodies and white blood cells to fight the infection. If a boil doesn't drain on its own or is located in a sensitive area (like the face, spine, groin, or armpit), a healthcare provider may need to surgically open it. Antibiotics are generally reserved for extensive or recurrent infections or those that have spread to other areas.[4]
Prevention
Preventing boils is largely a matter of good hygiene and self-care. This includes regularly washing with antibacterial soap, avoiding the sharing of personal items like towels or razors, keeping skin cuts and abrasions clean and covered until they're healed, and maintaining a healthy immune system through balanced nutrition and regular exercise.[5]
Complications
While most boils can be treated at home, some can lead to serious complications. If left untreated or not properly cared for, boils can spread to surrounding tissues (cellulitis), cause an infection in the bloodstream (sepsis), or lead to the formation of an abscess.[6]
See Also
References
- ↑ Usatine, RP, Skin and Soft Tissue Infections, American Family Physician, 2015, Vol. 92(Issue: 6), pp. 474-83,
- ↑ Leppard, BJ, The surgical management of boils, British Journal of Clinical Practice, 1986, Vol. 40(Issue: 5), pp. 192-3,
- ↑ Diluvio, L, Microbiological evaluation and antibiotic sensitivity in children with atopic dermatitis, Pediatric Dermatology, 2007, Vol. 24(Issue: 3), pp. 255-7, DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2007.00392.x,
- ↑ Saravolatz, LD, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Diagnosis and treatment, Postgraduate Medicine, 1987, Vol. 82(Issue: 3), pp. 69-78, DOI: 10.1080/00325481.1987.11699898,
- ↑ Kluytmans, J, Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: current perspectives, Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2008, Vol. 14(Issue: 12), pp. 1132-1139, DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02616.x,
- ↑ Stevens, DL, Severe group A streptococcal infections associated with a toxic shock-like syndrome and scarlet fever toxin A, New England Journal of Medicine, 1989, Vol. 321(Issue: 1), pp. 1-7, DOI: 10.1056/NEJM198907063210101,
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD