Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient Handout
FURUNCULOSIS
About Your
Diagnosis
Furunculosis is a condition
causing deep sores of the skin, also known as boils. Furuncles are painful, deep
bacterial infections of hair follicles. The usual cause is infection, usually
from Staphylococcus bacteria, that begins in the hair follicle and
penetrates into deeper skin layers. Furunculosis is very uncommon in young
children, but it occurs more frequency after puberty. Transmission from
individual to individual can occur if contact is made with drainage of pus from
a furuncle. The furuncle begins as a deep, tender, firm, red papule which
enlarges rapidly into a tender, deepseated nodule that remains painful. With
appropriate treatment, the infection can be
eradicated.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
Pain becomes more intense as
the furuncle enlarges. Furuncles can appear suddenly and are usually 1/2 to 1
inch in diameter; some are larger. The furuncle either remains deep and
reabsorbs or it will rupture through to the surface of the skin. The point of
rupture heals with scarring. Without treatment, the infection may enter the
bloodstream and spread to other body
parts.
Treatment
Warm
moist compresses provide comfort and encourage localization and pointing of the
abscess; apply three or four times daily for 20 minutes each time. Your
physician may incise and drain the furuncle when the skin over the furuncle
becomes thin and the mass underneath is soft. Without treatment, the furuncle
will heal in 10–20 days. With treatment, furuncles will heal in less time
and symptoms will be less severe. A potential complication of treatment is that
the pus that drains when the furuncle opens spontaneously may contaminate nearby
skin, causing new furuncles.
The
DOs
• Do take prescribed
antibiotics.
• Do decrease activity
until the infection heals. Avoid sweating and contact sports while furuncles are
present.
• Do keep the skin
clean.
The
DON’Ts
•Don’t use
nonprescription antibiotic creams or ointments on the furuncle’s surface
because they are ineffective.
•
Don’t share towels, washcloths, or clothing with other household
members.
When to Call Your
Doctor
• If fever occurs or
symptoms do not improve in 3 or 4 days, despite
treatment.
• If new furuncles appear
or furuncles develop in other family members.