ABOUT THE DISEASE
A carbuncle is a skin infection characterized by an abscess in the skin that often involves a group of hair follicles. The infected material forms a lump, which occurs deep in the skin and may contain pus. The condition with more than one carbuncle is known as carbunculosis.
Most carbuncles are caused by the bacteria staphylococcus aureus. The infection is contagious.
Carbuncles can develop anywhere but are most common on the back and the nape of the neck. Men get carbuncles more often than women. Often, the cause of infection cannot be determined.
SYMPTOMS
- • Small sized painful red bump
- • Swollen inflammated skin around the bump
- • Increase in size of the bump
- • Development of a yellow-white tip that ultimately ruptures and allows the pus to drain out.
CAUSES
Possible causes of the infection:
• Friction from clothing or shaving
• Poor hygiene
• Poor overall health
People with dermatitis, diabetes, and weakened immune systems are prone to develop staph infections that can lead to carbuncles.
DIAGNOSIS
- Physical examination
- Sample of the pus needs to be sent to lab to determine the bacteria causing the infection (bacterial culture)
TREATMENT METHODS
Small Carbuncles can be treated at home by applying warm compresses to relieve pain and promote natural drainage.
For larger carbuncles, treatment may include:
• Incision and drainage: Doctor may drain a large boil or carbuncle by making a small incision in the tip.
• Antibacterial soaps
• Oral Antibiotics
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Abscess
Cyst
Boils
Pilonidal sinus
Acne
Hidradenitis%20suppurativa