Carbuncle is a type of infection that appears as boils or infected bumps. These are often swollen, red, and painful. Antibiotics, antibacterial soaps or surgery are used to treat this.
Boils are bacterial infections that form in hair follicles under the skin. A carbuncle is a group of boils that are filled with pus. These are tender and painful, and cause serious infections that can also leave scars on the body. Carbuncle is also called staph skin infection.
Most carbuncles are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which live on the skin surface, throat, and nasal passages. These bacteria can cause infection by entering the skin through hair follicles, small scratches or pores.
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- Symptoms of Carbuncle
- What Are The Causes Of Carbuncles?
- Risk Factors For Developing A Carbuncle
- Diagnosis of Carbuncle
- Treatment Of Carbuncle
- How To Take Care Of It At Home
- Summary
Symptoms of Carbuncle
The most obvious first symptom of a carbuncle is a red, irritated lump under the skin. Touching it may cause pain. It can range from the size of a lentil to a medium sized mushroom. The lump increases in size over a few days as it quickly fills with pus. Eventually it develops a yellow-white tip or "head" which bursts, releasing pus. Nearby areas may also experience swelling.
Other symptoms may include:
- itching before lump formation
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physical pain
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Tiredness
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fever and chills
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skin flaking or discharge
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What Are The Causes Of Carbuncles?
Carbuncles usually occur when Staphylococcus aureus bacteria enter your hair follicles. These bacteria are also called "staph". When there are scratches or any other problem in the skin, bacteria enter the body and make it easier to cause infection. This may result in pus-filled boils or carbuncles.
Moist parts of our body are especially susceptible to this infection because bacteria thrive in these areas. Carbuncles are usually found on the neck, shoulder, or back of the thigh. They may also appear on the face, neck, armpits, or buttocks; Or any area where you sweat or experience friction.
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Risk Factors For Developing A Carbuncle
Being in close contact with someone who has a carbuncle increases your chances of developing it. The following factors also increase the risk of developing a carbuncle:
- stay dirty
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Shaving and other activities
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Diagnosis of Carbuncle
The doctor usually tests this by looking at your skin or taking a sample of pus. It is important to note how long you have had the carbuncle. Tell your doctor if it lasts more than two weeks.
If you get carbuncles, it could be a sign of other health problems, like diabetes. The doctor may also perform urine or blood tests to check your overall health.
Treatment Of Carbuncle
There are several possible treatments for carbuncles. First, it is important to assess the carbuncle to:
- Is it bigger than two inches?
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Is it on your face – near your nose or eyes?
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Is it close to your spine?
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Has it evolved rapidly?
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Has it not healed for two weeks?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you should see a doctor. These infections can cause more serious problems.
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Medical Treatment
Doctors may use one or more of the following medical treatments to cure a carbuncle:
- Antibiotics
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Painkiller
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antibacterial soap
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Surgery
You should never try to remove a carbuncle yourself. There is a danger of spreading the infection.
How To Take Care Of It At Home
You can also treat it at home to soothe your pain, speed up healing, and prevent the spread of infection by:
- Place a clean, warm, moist cloth over your carbuncle several times a day. Leave it on for 15 minutes. This will help it end faster.
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Keep your skin clean with antibacterial soap.
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Change your bandages frequently if you have had surgery.
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Wash your hands after touching your carbuncle.
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How To Prevent A Carbuncle From Occurring
Proper hygiene reduces the risk of developing a carbuncle. Follow these prevention tips:
- Wash your hands before eating and after using the bathroom.
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Bathe daily to keep your skin free from bacteria.
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Do not press boils with your own hands
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Wash clothes, sheets and towels regularly in hot water.
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