Causes and risk factors:
Staphylococcal infection is the major cause of boils and carbuncles. Excessive sweating, poor hygiene, occlusive clothes are some of the triggering factors. Diabetic people are more prone for development of boils and carbuncles.
Clinical presentations:
As compared to boils, carbuncles are cluster of boils interconnected under the skin and deep enough. Boils are commonly seen on face, axillae, perianal region and on buttocks, while carbuncles are more commonly seen on nape of the neck. Trunk and proximal extremities is also common site of affection. The boil starts with a red raised eruption on the skin which is painful, slowly it form a point at the centre which is white in color. A few days after, the nodule softens and bursts with emission of pus like discharge. As compared to boil carbuncles are deep enough. They present with large raised bump on the skin which is reddish and tender. This eruption has multiple points. Gradual softening occurs leading to pus discharges. This affected area becomes necrotic and leads to formation of ulcer. Often carbuncles leave behind scars.
Diagnosis and investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the local examination is carried out by the doctor .No investigations are required. Culture and sensitivity test can be done to determine the antibiotic in resistant cases.
Treatment:
Small boils can be handled at home. Gently repeated washing with water and soap is advised. In order to relief pain and to promote natural discharges gentle compression can be used on the affected skin. Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs or systemic antibiotics can be prescribed. For carbuncles desloughing is done by the doctor. Regular dressing with antiseptics for ulcer healing is necessary. Maintenance of good personal hygiene, wearing clean clothes and proper nutrition and keeping diabetes under control are the precautionary measures to be adopted.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating corns. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. . The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
