Furunculosis and Carbunculosis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Furunculosis and carbunculosis are skin infections that form lumps and pus, called furuncles and carbuncles. A furuncle (abscess) forms when a hair follicle and the skin surrounding it become infected. A carbuncle is made up of multiple furuncles, and goes much deeper into the skin. Furuncles and carbuncles are usually caused by bacteria.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have a fast heartbeat or chest pain.
- You have sudden trouble breathing.
- Your symptoms do not improve or are getting worse.
- Your wound has pus coming out or has a foul smell.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever.
- You have chills or a cough, or feel weak and achy.
- You have increased pain, redness, or swelling around the infected area.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Apply a warm compress. A compress can decrease pain and swelling. It may also help drain pus and speed up healing. Apply a moist, warm compress for 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day or as directed.
- Care for your wound as directed. You may need to apply bandages with medicine on them. You may need to wash the wound carefully with soap and water. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty.
Prevent the spread of furunculosis and carbunculosis:
- Keep your skin clean. Wash your skin and hair every day. Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Use germ-killing hand lotion or gel if soap and water are not available.
- Apply lotion or moisturizing creams to your skin regularly. Stop using them if they sting or irritate your skin.
- Avoid contact with other people's wounds. Keep any wounds clean and covered with clean, dry bandages until they heal. Place used bandages in a sealed plastic bag when you throw them away.
- Do not share personal items. Use your own towel, soap, clothes, and other personal items. Do not share these items with others.
- Wash laundry correctly. Keep an infected person's laundry in a plastic bag until it is washed. Wash with detergent and hot water. Dry the items on the hot setting.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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