Boils

This common bacterium inhabits the skin, and approximately one third of the population carry the germ in their noses. is usually harmless, but it can cause a range of mild to severe infections, if it gains access to deeper tissues. Certain areas of the body are more susceptible to boils, including the face, throat, armpits, groin and buttocks.

A boil on the eyelid is known as a stye. A carbuncle is an aggregate of connected furuncles and has several pustular openings. Boils usually resolve by themselves, but severe or recurring cases require medical treatment.

Options include lancing and draining the boil, and antibiotics. The evolution of a boil includes:

• A scar may form depending on the severity of the boil. Cuts abrasions or scratches allow the bacteria to gain access to deeper tissues

Certain factors make a person more susceptible to outbreaks of boils, including: – recurring boils may be symptomatic of uncontrolled diabetes, especially for people aged over 40 years. – sweat and dead skin cells in natural creases and crevices, such as the armpit, provide a hospitable home for bacteria. – inadequate nutrition may reduce a person’s natural immunity.

– other skin conditions, such as eczema, can break the skin surface. Staphylococcus bacteria can cause a range of infections, from relatively mild to severe and life threatening. There is a small risk that bacteria may spread from the boil to other areas of the body.

Infection can cause inflammation of many organs and tissues, including: Vein (septic phlebitis). Suggestions for treating a boil include: Resist the temptation to squeeze the boil.

Wash the boil with antiseptic soap

Apply a hot compress for 10 minutes or so, three times daily, to encourage the boil to come to a head.

Cover a burst boil with a bandaid

Wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of infection. Use fresh towels every time you wash and dry the infected areas. See your doctor if the boil isn’t improving after a few days.

Medical treatment for a severe boil may include antibiotics and lancing

Boils around the eyes and nose should always be treated by a doctor, because the infection may access the bloodstream and reach the brain.

Furunculosis refers to recurring outbreaks of boils

Treatment includes:

• Checking for underlying disorders
• such as diabetes. Long term use of antibiotics to rid the body of infection

Use of antiseptic shampoos and soaps

Commonly inhabits the nose.

Strict attention to personal hygiene

Frequent laundering of all bedding and towels

Is contagious.

Dermatologist

A boil, or furuncle, is an infection of a hair follicle caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus Symptoms of boils A small area of skin becomes inflamed and tender A painful lump appears After a few days, a white or yellow head forms The boil bursts The pus drains out The site heals Risk factors for boils Diabetes Poor hygiene Nutrition Broken skin Other infections Bone (osteomyelitis) Heart (endocarditis) Lung (pneumonia) Meninges, the membranes lining the central nervous system (meningitis) Skin (impetigo) Self-help options Treatment for boils Antibiotic creams applied to the nasal membranes, because S. aureus In some cases, other members of the household will need similar treatment, since S.

Where to get help Your doctor Chemist.

Key Points

• This common bacterium inhabits the skin, and approximately one third of the population carry the germ in their noses
• is usually harmless, but it can cause a range of mild to severe infections, if it gains access to deeper tissues
• Boils usually resolve by themselves, but severe or recurring cases require medical treatment
• Staphylococcus bacteria can cause a range of infections, from relatively mild to severe and life threatening
• There is a small risk that bacteria may spread from the boil to other areas of the body