Skin Disorders: Boils
Boils (also called furuncles) typically spontaneously appear on the skin like a pimple. Painful and annoying, boils result from an infected hair follicle. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is the most common culprit behind the infection, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These bacteria can be spread by contact with an infected person.
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Features
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Boils typically begin as pea-sized lumps around hair follicles. They develop a pinkish-red appearance and become tender to the touch, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Boils typically also appear raised and develop a yellow or white center. Some people also develop symptoms like fatigue, fever and skin inflammation along with the boil.
Cause and Risks
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When the staph bacteria enters the body, the body responds by becoming inflamed and sending white blood cells to attack the bacteria, according to the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB). The result is a pus-filled bump. As the pus increases, the boil becomes more painful. The pus continues to grow until the boil bursts, according to UAB. The process typically lasts two weeks.
Diabetes may contribute to a person's susceptibility to this infection. According to MayoClinic.com, diabetes lowers a body's resistance to staph infection. People with an impaired immune system also may develop boils.
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Solution
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Boils may be treated by drainage. The healthcare practitioner usually makes a small incision and drains the pus, explains the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). Some physicians may also prescribe topical antibiotics such as clindamycin and erythromycin to kill the bacteria, according to the Cleveland Clinic. At home, moist heat may help the boil drain and rupture, according to MayoClinic.com. A warm washcloth applied for at least 10 minutes can encourage the process when repeated every few hours, says MayoClinic.com
Prevention
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According to MayoClinic.com, you can prevent boils by washing your hands regularly, using a mild soap. Boils can also be avoided by not sharing personal items like razors, clothing and towels as staph infections can spread through objects as well, according to MayoClinic.com. Keeping cuts and scrapes adequately bandaged with dry, sterile bandages also prevents boils.
Considerations
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Boils neither should be touch nor squeezed, according to UAB. Perforating boils can cause the infection to move deeper into the tissues. This can cause life-threatening reactions such as sepsis (blood poisoning). Signs of sepsis, according to MayoClinic.com, include chills, fever, dizziness, confusion and plummeting blood pressure. If any of these symptoms develop, a healthcare provider should be consulted as soon as possible.
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References
Resources
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