Furuncles

Question 1

What is a furuncle

Answer 1

Results from infection of hair follicles with Staphylococcus aureus

Question 2

What are the features of a furuncle

Answer 2

It can affect any hair bearing area of the skin - esp. face, neck, buttocks, groins and axillae

Small

Contains pus

Tender on palpation

May be multiple

*When the contents become solid it is known as a boil

Question 3

What are predisposing factors to furuncles

Answer 3

Diabetes mellitus

Steroid treatment

Other immunodeficiencies

Question 4

How would you treat furuncles

Answer 4

Non-surgical:

• Risk factor modification
  
  • Good diabetic control
  • Eradication of nasal carriage of Staph aureus for recurrent infections
    
    • Antiseptics
    • Antibiotics

Surgical:

• Incision and drainage for large and painful boils

Question 5

What is a carbuncle

Answer 5

An extensive infection of hair follicles by the same organism (Staph aureus), with involvement of adjacent follicles and development of draining sinuses.

Question 6

What are carbuncles associated with

Answer 6

Diabetes mellitus

Question 7

How do you treat carbuncles

Answer 7

Treated with a combination of systemic antibiotics and surgical incision