Furunculosis And Carbunculosis
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What are furunculosis and carbunculosis? Furunculosis (fu-rung-ku-LO-sis) and carbunculosis (kahr-bung-ku-LO-sis) are infections in the skin that form lumps and pus (thick, infected fluid). Furunculosis is a condition where you have a furuncle, which is commonly known as an abscess or a boil. A furuncle forms when a hair follicle (root) and the skin surrounding it become infected. This tends to appear in areas that are prone to rubbing and sweating. Carbunculosis is a condition where you have two or more furuncles. Carbuncles develop deeply into the skin and underlying soft tissues. It is a more severe condition that may happen if furunculosis is not treated. Furunculosis and carbunculosis may also affect other parts of the body, including the blood, brain, heart, and bones. With proper treatment as soon as possible after you get the infection, you have a greater chance of having a full recovery.
What causes furunculosis and carbunculosis? Furunculosis and carbunculosis are often caused by bacteria (germs) called Staphylococcus aureus or Staph. The Staph bacteria are commonly found on the skin, between the buttocks (rear end) and groin, and in the nose. You may become sick if you had close physical contact with a person infected with furunculosis and carbunculosis. Infected people who do not wash their hands may also spread the bacteria. This may happen when you touch their contaminated (dirty) hands or wound, or an object they recently held. The germs may enter the body through the nose or through an opening in the skin.
What increases my risk of getting furunculosis and carbunculosis? A person may carry the Staph bacteria but not get infected or sick. When Staph causes an infection, furunculosis and carbunculosis may develop. The following factors may also increase your risk of getting furunculosis and carbunculosis:
- Medicines: These include medicines used to treat cancer (tumor) or long-term use of steroid medicine. Steroids are given to decrease inflammation (swelling).
- Obesity: You weigh more than what is suggested by your caregiver.
- Poor hygiene: These may include not washing hands or used clothing properly.
- Weak immune system: The immune system is the part of your body that fights infection. Having diabetes (high blood sugar) or cancer may weaken your immune system. Blood diseases or poor nutrition may also affect your body defenses.
- Others: Skin conditions that may cause scratching and damage to the skin, such as dermatitis, scabies, or eczema.
What are the signs and symptoms of furunculosis and carbunculosis?
- Furunculosis: A furuncle usually starts as a small, firm, and red lump under the skin. This usually appears in the neck, face, armpits, thighs, and buttocks. As it gets bigger, you may have swelling and pain. Pus then fills the lump, and white or yellow centers often form. The skin and underlying tissues around the area may also become infected. After several days, the furuncle may burst and pus will leak out of the skin. The pain and swelling may decrease when the pus drains. Once the pus has drained, the infection may slowly disappear over several days.
- Carbunculosis: A carbuncle usually occurs on the back of the neck and side of the thighs. It is a group of small, shallow abscesses that connect with each other under the skin. This makes a carbuncle larger than a furuncle. A carbuncle may easily open, drain pus, and form an ulcer on the skin. The skin then slowly heals and a deep scar may develop. Other symptoms, such as fever, chills, or body weakness and pain, may also be present.
What problems can furunculosis and carbunculosis cause? Most furunculosis and carbunculosis mainly affect the hair roots, skin, and soft tissues directly under the skin. These may later spread to the blood and other organs. When this happens you may have any of the following:
- Bacteremia (blood infection).
- Heart diseases, such as endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart).
- Osteomyelitis (bone infections) or arthritis (swelling of the joints).
How are furunculosis and carbunculosis diagnosed? Caregivers will need some samples from the skin, wound discharge (pus), or secretions (mucus) from your nose. A sample of your urine or blood may also be sent to a lab for tests. These samples may show what germ is causing your disease and help caregivers know the best treatment for you.
How are furunculosis and carbunculosis treated? Some boils may drain pus and heal on their own. You may also need any of the following:
- Dressings: These are tapes or bandages that already have medicine on them and are placed over the wound. Ask your caregiver for more information about using these dressings.
- Incision and drainage: Caregivers may drain the fluid or pus that has collected in the infected area.
- Medicines:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
- Medicines for pain, swelling, or fever: You may be given medicines to treat pain, swelling, or fever while you are in the hospital. These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when used by people with certain medical conditions. Tell caregivers if you have liver or kidney disease, a history of bleeding in your stomach, or any other medical problems. Also tell your caregiver about any allergies you have to medicines. Tell your caregiver about all other medicines, herbs, and supplements that you have taken lately.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
- Surgery: Surgery may be done depending on where and how bad your infection is. This may be more likely if the infection has spread and damaged much of your skin. You may also need surgery if your antibiotic is not working. Ask your caregiver for more information about having surgery in treating furunculosis and carbunculosis.
- Warm compress: Applying moist, warm compresses several times a day may decrease pain and swelling. It may also help drain the pus and speed up healing. You may do this for 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
How can furunculosis and carbunculosis be prevented?
- Apply softeners, lubricants, or moisturizing creams to your skin regularly. Stop using them if they sting or irritate your skin.
- Ask your caregiver if you may take or apply antibiotic medicine. Antibiotics may be given if you carry some bacteria that may cause furunculosis and carbunculosis. These antibiotics may be applied to your nose and skin or taken by mouth.
- Avoid contact with other people's wounds or materials contaminated from wounds. Clean and cover boils or other wound infections with clean, dry bandages until they heal. Place used bandages in a sealed plastic bag when throwing them away.
- You should use your own towel, soap, clothes, or other personal items and not share these items with others.
- Place contaminated laundry in a plastic bag and use hot water and detergents (soap) when washing them. Dry them in a clothes dryer on the hot setting.
- Wash your skin, hands, and hair every day. Germ-killing hand lotion or gel may be used to clean hands if there is no water available.
Where can I find more information? Having furunculosis and carbunculosis may be hard. Contact the following for more information:
- American Academy of Family Physicians
PO Box 11210
Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
Phone: 1-913-906-6000
Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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