Furuncle
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
“Furuncle” is another word for a “boil.” Boils are bacterial infections of hair follicles that also involve the surrounding tissue. The infected hair follicle can be on any part of your body, not only your scalp.
When the hair follicle becomes infected, it appears inflamed. The furuncle looks like a red, raised bump on your skin that is focused on a hair follicle. If it ruptures, cloudy fluid or pus drains out.
Furuncles most commonly appear on the face, neck, thigh, and buttocks.
Causes
Bacteria typically cause a furuncle, the most common being Staphylococcus aureus — which is why furuncles can also be called staph infections. S. aureus normally resides on some areas of the skin.
S. aureus can cause an infection in situations where there are breaks in the skin, such as a cut or a scratch. Once the bacteria invade, your immune system tries to fight them. The boil is actually the result of your white blood cells working to eliminate the bacteria.
You are more likely to develop a boil if your immune system is compromised or if you have a medical condition that slows down the healing of your wounds.
Diabetes and eczema, a chronic skin disorder characterized by extremely dry, itchy skin, are two examples of chronic conditions that may increase your risk of getting a staph infection.
Your risk can also increase if you engage in close, personal contact with someone who already has a staph infection.
Treatment
Many people don’t need to see a doctor for treatment unless a boil remains large, unruptured, or very painful for more than 2 weeks. Usually, a furuncle will already have drained and begun to heal within this time frame.
Treatment for stubborn furuncles generally includes steps to promote drainage and healing. Warm compresses can help speed the rupturing of a furuncle. Apply a warm, moist compress throughout the day to facilitate drainage.
Continue to apply warmth to provide both healing and pain relief after a boil has ruptured.
Wash your hands as well at the boil site with an antibacterial soap to avoid spreading the staph bacteria to other areas of your body.