The boil or furunce is infection, with inflammation of, at least, a hair follicle and the surrounding tissue. Normally the infection is caused by the bacteria ‘Staphylococcus aureus’, widely extended in everyone and that it is estimated to colonize the skin and the interior of the nose of more than half of the world’s population.
Causes of the boil
Small wound or insect sting
Although the cause of a boil can be for another bacterium or a fungus, the most common reason for the formation of the boil is by infection of the bacteria ‘Staphylococcus aureus’ when accessing a small wound or a bite of an insect.
The risk factors that can favor the appearance of a boil are:
– Bad hygiene.
– Immunodeficiency.
– suffer from diseases such as diabetes.
– suffer from eccema.
– Have acne.
– Contagion by contact.
If there is more than one boil there may be:
– FOLICULITE. Inflammation of one or more hair follicles. It can also occur when the follicle is blocked or “plug.”
– Forunculosis or anthrax. Group of boils with a deep and severe infection that can leave scar. Those who suffer from Ántrax may have general discomfort, fever and chills.
The most common reason for the formation of the boil is for infection of the bacteria ‘Staphylococcus aureus’
Symptoms of the boil
Sensitivity, inflammation and redness
The most common areas for the appearance of a boil are: the face, neck, armpit, buttocks or the interior zone of the thighs. In general, in areas where there may be friction or concentrate more sweat.
The symptoms of the boil are:
– Sensitivity or itching at a specific point that can be inflamed and red.
– Protuberance of a few millimeters thick that grows quickly and that can even have several centimeters. White or yellow and fluid center.
– Pain.
– General discomfort.
– Fatigue.
– Fever.
Normally the boil is cured by itself but if it remains for a minimum of two weeks or reappears, if it causes fever or discomfort, and if it is in the column then it is necessary to go to the doctor. The complications that have been described associated with a boil are:
– Accumulation of pus (abscess) in the skin, spinal cord, brain or kidneys among other organs.
– Skin infection, blood, tissues, bones, heart or brain.
Diagnosis of the boil
Visual exam
The visual examination will suffice the doctor to reach a diagnosis although if it needs to specify the cause of the infection, you can request a cultivation of the tissue of the boil.
Board and medication
Cleaning and drainage
The usual thing is that the boil sneak itself but if it does not happen it is necessary to drain it. To do this, wet and hot gauze will be applied to open and drain for itself and then cover with a dressing that must be changed regularly and discard immediately avoiding imprisoning any surface or element.
You have to wash your hands before and after cleaning the boil. No towels or clothing should be shared and sheets, towels and textiles that have been in contact with the booth with hot water should be washed.
It should not be cut or open at home to prevent the infection from disseminating. The doctor, after draining the boil in the consultation, can prescribe an oral or injection antibiotic.
Forculus prevention
Antibacterial soaps
Good hygiene, often washing the hands, and the preventive use of antibacterial and disinfectant soaps is the best prevention of the formation of a boil produced by ‘Staphylococcus aureus’
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