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Home :: Family Health :: Carbuncle Carbuncle - Carbuncle symptom, treatment, causes
Carbuncle is a painful abscess that forms in the skin and underlying tissues from a cluster of adjacent boils. Carbuncles are usually the result of infection by the bacterium Staphylococcus aurclls ('golden staph'), and are most often found on the chest, neck, face, but tocks and armpits. They are treated by means of oral or injected antibiotics, drugs to relieve pain, and surgical draining of the pus.
A carbuncle is an abscess larger than a boil, usually with one or more openings draining pus onto the skin. It is usually caused by bacterial infection. Carbuncles often appear in areas of friction or minor trauma such as underneath the belt, the fronts of the thighs, buttocks, groin, and armpits. Carbuncles occur more often in men because of their more extensive body hair growth. The bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequently offending germ causing the problem. Sometimes the carbuncle becomes chronic, surrounded by scar tissue so that antibiotics fail to penetrate into the heart of the infection. Carbuncles often are found on the back of the neck, shoulders, hips and thighs, and they are especially common in middle-aged or elderly men. People with diabetes are more likely to develop carbuncles. Carbuncles produce fever, leukocytosis, extreme pain, and prostration. If you have an area of skin that is prone to boils or carbuncles, keep the area clean and dry, and avoid wearing tight clothing that doesn't allow the skin to breathe. Anyone who helps care for the infected area should also wash his or her hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. The infection is treated by applying antibiotics systemically and directly to the lesion.
Causes of Carbuncle
The common causes and risk factor's of Carbuncle include the following:
- A bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus.
- The infection can occur when a cut, wound, friction, pressure, or moisture forces the bacteria deeper into the skin or hair follicle.
- People with diabetes are more likely to develop carbuncles.
- Petroleum products such as Vaseline may plug up a hair follicle and cause an infection.
Symptoms of Carbuncle
Some sign and symptoms related to Carbuncle are as follows:
- A carbuncle looks like a cluster of interconnected boils.
- Skin abscess.
- Carbuncles sometimes occur with a fever.
- Feel generally sick.
- Pain and tenderness over the site.
- Pus may come from the site, especially as time passes
Treatment of Carbuncle
Here is list of the methods to treat Carbuncle:
- This infection - especially the inflammatory form - can be effectively treated with oral antifungal medications.
- Warm, moist compress on the affected are to promote natural drainage of pus.
- Large carbuncles may be treated with antibiotics.
- Gentle washing with antimicrobial soap several times a day.
- Deep or large lesions may need to be drained surgically by the health care provider.
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