Furuncle

Furuncle is a medical term for a boil, a skin condition caused by the infection of a hair follicle, resulting in a painful swollen area on the skin caused by an accumulation of pus and dead tissue.

Causes

The primary cause of a furuncle is Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This bacteria enters the body through tiny nicks or cuts in the skin or can travel down the hair to the follicle.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a furuncle include a painful, red and swollen area on the skin, a lump or bump on the skin, and an increase in the size of the lump over a few days as it fills with pus.

Treatment

Treatment for a furuncle includes warm compresses to relieve pain and promote the drainage of the boil. In some cases, a healthcare provider may need to make a small incision on the boil to drain the pus. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help fight the infection.

Prevention

Prevention of furuncles includes maintaining good personal hygiene, washing hands regularly with soap and warm water, and avoiding the sharing of personal items such as towels and razors.

See also

• Skin infection
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Hair follicle

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