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Carbuncles definition
A carbuncles is a red, swollen, and painful cluster of boils that are connected to each other under the skin. A boil (or furuncle) is an infection of a hair follicle that has a small collection of pus (called an abscess) under the skin. Usually single, a carbuncles is most likely to occur on a hairy area of the body such as the back or nape of the neck. But a carbuncles also can develop in other areas of the body such as the buttocks, thighs, groin, and armpits.
Carbuncles are painful clusters of boils that are contagious. Is also an abscess larger than a boil, usually with one or more openings draining pus onto the skin. It is usually caused by bacterial infections that often involves a group of hair follicles. The infected material forms a lump, which occurs deep in the skin and may contain pus.
Most carbuncles are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which inhabit the skin surface, throat, and nasal passages. These bacteria can cause infection by entering the skin through a hair follicle, small scrape, or puncture, although sometimes there is no obvious point of entry.
Filled with pus – a mixture of old and white blood cells, bacteria, and dead skin cells carbuncles must drain before they’re able to heal. Carbuncles are more likely than boils to leave scars.
An active boil or carbuncles is contagious: the infection can spread to other parts of the person’s body or to other people through skin-to-skin contact or the sharing of personal items. So it’s important to practice appropriate self-care measures, like keeping the area clean and covered, until the carbuncles drains and heals.
Carbuncles require medical treatment to prevent or manage complications, promote healing, and minimize scarring. Contact your doctor if you have a boil or boils that have persisted for more than a few days.
Carbuncles Symptoms
A carbuncles is a swollen lump or mass under the skin. It may be the size of a pea or as large as a golf ball. The carbuncles may be red and irritated and might hurt when you touch it. It may also:
♦ Grow very fast
♦ Have a white or yellow center (contain pus)
♦ Weep, ooze, or crust
♦ Spread to other skin areas
Sometimes, other symptoms may occur. These may include:
♦ Fatigue
♦ Fever
♦ General discomfort or sick feeling
♦ Skin itching before the carbuncles develops
Risk Factors for Carbuncles
Older age, obesity, poor hygiene, and poor overall health are associated with carbuncles. Other risk factors for carbuncles include:
♦ Chronic skin conditions, which damage the skin’s protective barrier
♦ Diabetes
♦ Kidney disease
♦ Liver disease
♦ Any condition or treatment that weakens the immune system
How Is a Carbuncles Treated?
There are several possible treatments for a carbuncles. If the mass is close to your nose, spine, or eyes, it is important to see a doctor. These infections could lead to more serious problems. Medications
♦ Antibiotics are sometimes needed for treatment. They are either taken orally or rubbed on your skin.
♦ Pain relievers can be used if necessary. Normally over-the-counter medications are enough.
♦ Antibacterial soaps may be suggested as part of your daily regimen.
Surgeries
♦ Some deep or large carbuncles require surgical treatment. A carbuncles may be drained with a scalpel or needle.
♦ You should never try to drain a carbuncles yourself. There is a risk you will spread the infection. You could also end up infecting your bloodstream.
Home Care To decrease your pain and lower the risk of spreading the infection:
♦ Place a clean, moist cloth on your carbuncles several times a day. Leave it on for 15 minutes. This will help it drain faster.
♦ Keep your skin clean with antibacterial soap.
♦ Change your bandages often if you have undergone surgery.
♦ Wash your hands after touching a carbuncles.
