Boils & Carbuncles
What is Boils & Carbuncles ?
A boil is a painful, pus-filled bump that forms under your skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more of your hair follicles. A carbuncle is a cluster of boils that form a connected area of infection under the skin.
Boils (furuncles) usually start as reddish or purplish, tender bumps. The bumps quickly fill with pus, growing larger and more painful until they rupture and drain. Areas most likely to be affected are the face, back of the neck, armpits, thighs and buttocks. You can usually care for a single boil at home. But don’t attempt to prick or squeeze it — that may spread the infection.
Symptoms
- A painful, red bump
- Reddish or purplish, swollen skin
- An increase in the size of the bump
- Development of a yellow-white tip that ruptures
- Fills with pus
- Grows in size
- May weep or crust over
- Might spread to other areas
- Carbuncle is a cluster of boils
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
Cause
Most boils are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacterium commonly found on the skin and inside the nose. A bump forms as pus collects under the skin. Boils sometimes develop at sites where the skin has been broken by a small injury or an insect bite, which gives the bacteria easy entry.
Risk Factors
Although anyone — including otherwise healthy people — can develop boils or carbuncles, the following factors can increase your risk Close contact with a person who has a staph infection. You’re more likely to develop an infection if you live with someone who has a boil or carbuncle. Diabetes. This disease can make it more difficult for your body to fight infection, including bacterial infections of your skin. Other skin conditions. Because they damage your skin’s protective barrier, skin problems, such as acne and eczema, make you more susceptible to boils and carbuncles. Compromised immunity. If your immune system is weakened for any reason, you’re more susceptible to boils and carbuncles.
When to see a Doctor
You usually can care for a single, small boil yourself. But see your doctor if you have more than one boil at a time or if a boil occurs on your face or affects your vision. Worsens rapidly or is extremely painful. Causes a fever. Gets bigger despite self-care. Hasn’t healed in two weeks. Recurs.