Search
carbuncle (carbunculosis)
More than one carbuncle is called carbunculosis.
Etiology:
- generally caused by bacterial infection
- Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- risk factors
- poor hygiene
- immunosuppression
Epidemiology:
- more common in men than women
Pathology:
- a deep pyogenic infection of the skin & subcutaneous tissues arising from several contiguous hair follicles with formation of connecting sinuses
- a carbuncle is made up of several furuncles
Clinical manifestations:
1) most common on the back & the nape of the neck
2) the infected material forms a lump, which occurs deep in the skin and may contain pus
3) fever
4) malaise
Complications:
- contagious
- sepsis
- involvement of organs other than the skin
- brain abscess, spinal cord abscess
- renal abscess
- endocarditis
- osteomyelitis
- permanent scarring
Management:
- incision & drainage
- oral antibiotics generally not necessary
- indications
- MRSA is involved & drainage is incomplete
- cellulitis
- immunosuppression
- infection has spread to other parts of the body
- include coverage for Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA if appropriate
General
hair disease
skin infection
bacterial infection
subcutaneous abscess; boil
References
- Stedman's Medical Dictionary 26th ed, Williams &
Wilkins, Baltimore, 1995
- Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, Common
& Serious Diseases, 3rd ed, Fitzpatrick et al, McGraw Hill, NY,
1997, pg 610-615
- Wikipedia: Carbuncle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbuncle
- WebMD: Carbuncles
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/carbuncles-causes-treatments
- Medline Plus: Carbuncle
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000825.htm
- Mayo Clinic: Boils and carbuncles
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/boils-and-carbuncles/DS00466
Components
furuncle