Carbuncles is a clump of boils on the skin. They form once several boils group together to form a single lump or when multiple hair follicles become infected at once.
Carbuncles are usually triggered by a bacterial infection of the hair follicles, usually by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. In case the infection is not treated promptly, it can lead to the formation of pockets of cells, bacteria, dead tissue, fluid and pus. The infections that are responsible for carbuncles are contagious and can spread.
Even though they form on the neck, they can manifest on any part of the body. The exact cause why it forms is still unknown but those with compromised immune systems are prone.
What are the indications?
- Lump or bulging on the skin that grows up to several centimeters in diameter
- Fever not associated with flu symptoms
- Fatigue
- Itchiness
- Drainage of fluid from the carbuncle that can crust over
- Significant pain or discomfort
- Spread of infection
- Whitish or yellowish centers in the carbuncles
How to deal with carbuncles
An individual boil is expected to heal after several weeks, but the larger ones might require medical care. It is not advisable to force open or drain a carbuncle since it can spread the infection. Once it starts to drain, the surrounding area must be cleaned using a warm, moist cloth or gauze.
The medical treatment for carbuncles involves incision under sterile conditions to allow drainage of the fluid and pus. If an individual has recurrent or unusually large-sized carbuncles, the doctor might take a culture of the fluid to pinpoint the type of bacteria responsible for the infection and the suitable antibiotic to treat it. After incision and drainage is done, antibiotics are prescribed.
Thoroughly wash hands or any materials that was exposed to the carbuncle or the surrounding area. The dressings applied to the carbuncles must be properly discarded after removal.