Folliculitis, Furunculosis and Carbunculosis Flashcards
What is the difference between folliculitis, furuncles and carbuncles?
These are infections that can start at the follicle (folliculitis) where it can be red or have a pustule around the follicle.
A furuncle (boil) is a lesion that extends beyond the follicle itself deeper into the dermis. It is often red and tender at first that becomes purulent later. It may drain spontaneously.
Carbuncles are when furuncles join together to form aggregates that are swollen, erythematous and painful.
What bacteria are involved in Folliculitis, furuncle and carbuncles?
Primarily S. Aureus
What is the typical treatment for folliculitis?
Treatment of folliculitis usually is local measures, such as warm moist compresses or topical therapy such as mupirocin, fusidic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Topical agents are typically applied two to four times daily for 7 days. Small furuncles generally can be treated with moist heat, which promotes localization and drainage of pus. Large furuncles and carbuncles (in general) should be excised and drained.
When might systemic antibiotics be needed?
Normally, systemic antibiotics are not needed unless there are other signs of infection like fever (>38°C), surrounding cellulitis or other systemic signs such as, tachycardia (heart rate >90/min), tachypnea (respiratory rate >24/min) or abnormal white blood cell count (<12 000 or <400 cells/µL), or in immunocompromised patients.
What systemic treatment should be used if MSSA?
Assuming its MSSA you can start with PO cloxacillin or cephalexin
What systemic treatment should be used if MRSA?
It you are not sure SMP/TMX or doxycycline is a good choice for empiric therapy. Treatment can last anywhere from 5-10 days.
How long is treatment for systemic infections of furuncles, carbuncles
Treatment can last anywhere from 5-10 days.
