Boils or furuncles are caused by staphylococcal bacterial infections of the hair follicles.
Small, localized and superficial boils do not require much treatment, and can be treated at home. Pricking the boils with a sterile needle after cleansing with spirit swab and application of antibiotic creams should clear them. But deep seated boils require expert care by a doctor as these can cause serious systemic effects.
What are the Types of Boils?
Boils are of two types. One is superficial and the other deep.
Superficial boils are also known as folliculitis: These are superficial infections of the hair follicle by the staphylococci. In the early stages, these can be treated at home.
Deep boils are known as furuncles or abscesses: These involve the deeper part of the hair follicle and the infection spreads to the surrounding deep layers of the skin as well. This requires immediate medical attention.
Some authors list other inflammations of the skin like cystic acne, hidradenitis suppuritiva, pilonidal cysts etc. as boils. But taking into account the cause, pathogenesis, and treatment of the disease process, these cannot and should not be included in the classification of boils. The approach to management of these diseases differs drastically from that of boils.
What is a Carbuncle?
A carbuncle is a group of furuncles which involve a group of hair follicles. Appearance of a carbuncle in the body is an indication for further physical checkups and laboratory investigations to rule out immune lowering conditions like diabetes mellitus, HIV and other systemic illnesses.
Why are Deep Boils or Abscesses and Carbuncles Dangerous?
When a boil becomes deeper and gets filled with pus, it is known as an abscess. This requires immediate medical attention. Home remedies are risky. Draining the abscess under antibiotic coverage is the fastest way for a cure.
Deep boils and carbuncles should never be manipulated (pressed hard or squeezed) if you are not on suitable antibiotics. This can cause the spread of infection to the blood stream (septicemia) and other organs causing life threatening complications. The infection with treatment resistance strains of staphylococci known as MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) increases the risk further.
What are the Systemic Complications of Boils and Carbuncles?
- Septicemia: Spread of infection in the blood can cause fever, chills and infections in the vital organs like brain, heart, lungs etc.
- Abscess in organs like brain, lungs, kidneys, spinal cord, and other areas of the skin
- Endocarditis: Bacterial inflammation of the heart and/or its valves.
- Osteomyelitis: Infection in the bones
Can Boils be Treated at Home?
If the boil is superficial, without any systemic systems like fever, chills, body pain etc, you can treat them at home by hot compresses and topical antibiotic ointments. If the boil is increasing in size, and becomes tender, red and throbbing, you should see a doctor. Do not wait if the systemic signs and symptoms develop. In such cases, you will need to see a doctor at the earliest. The doctor will lance the abscess and put you on suitable antibiotics.
Tips on Managing Boils
- Wash well with soap and water after outdoor trips and sweating.
- Avoid occlusive synthetic clothing
- Avoid hot, spicy, fried fast foods
- If the boil is swelling up and causing distress, start hot compresses 3-4 times daily and consult a doctor.
- Be careful with boils in the danger area of the face, that is, the central area between the nose and mouth and immediate surroundings. This area has direct connections with the veins draining the brain structures. Never press the boils in this area. Get antibiotic treatment without delay.
- If you are getting recurrent boils, look out for some infectious foci elsewhere in the body and have a full check to rule out immune lowering diseases like diabetes.
Related Reading
Reference
Disclaimer
The information given in this article is for educational purpose only so that patients are aware of the options available. No diagnosis should be made or treatment undertaken without first consulting your doctor. If you do so, the author or suite101 will not be responsible for any consequences. The images provided are for illustration purpose only.
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