Furuncle
A furuncle (boil) is a skin infection involving an entire hair follicle and nearby skin tissue.
CAUSES:
Furuncles are very common. Furuncles are generally caused by Staphylococcus aureus, but they may be caused by other bacteria or fungi found on the skin's surface. Damage to the hair follicle allows these bacteria to enter deeper into the tissues of the follicle and the subcutaneous tissue.
Furuncles may occur in the hair follicles anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, neck, armpit, buttocks, and thighs. Furuncles can be single or multiple.
SYMPTOMS
Furuncles may occur in the hair follicles anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, neck, armpit, buttocks, and thighs. Furuncles can be single or multiple.
SYMPTOMS
A furuncle may begin as a tender, pinkish-red, swollen nodule but ultimately feel like a water-filled balloon. Pain gets worse as it fills with pus and dead tissue. Pain improves as it drains. It may drain on its own. More often the patient or someone else opens the furuncle.
The furuncle:
The furuncle:
- Is usually pea-sized, but may be as large as a golf ball
- May develop white or yellow centers (pustules)
- May join with another furuncle or spread to other skin areas
- May grow rapidly
- May weep, ooze, crust
- Fatigue
- Fever
- General ill-feeling
- Itching before furuncle develops
- Skin redness or inflammation around the lesion
Furuncles may heal on their own after an initial period of itching and mild pain. More often, they increase in discomfort as pus collects. They finally burst, drain, and then heal on their own.
Furuncles usually must drain before they will heal. This most often occurs in less than 2 weeks.
Warm moist compresses encourage furuncles to drain, which speeds healing. Gently soak the area with a warm, moist cloth several times each day. Never squeeze a boil or attempt to cut it open it at home because this can spread the infection and make it worse.
Meticulous hygiene is important to prevent the spread of infection. Draining lesions should be cleaned frequently. You should wash your hands very well after touching a furuncle.
Furuncles usually must drain before they will heal. This most often occurs in less than 2 weeks.
Warm moist compresses encourage furuncles to drain, which speeds healing. Gently soak the area with a warm, moist cloth several times each day. Never squeeze a boil or attempt to cut it open it at home because this can spread the infection and make it worse.
Meticulous hygiene is important to prevent the spread of infection. Draining lesions should be cleaned frequently. You should wash your hands very well after touching a furuncle.
This entry was posted
on Sunday, October 10, 2010
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nursecissism
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