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furuncle

Etiology: - Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA (most common) - Streptococcus pyogenes Pathology: - localized pyogenic infection orginating deep in a hair follicle (small follicular abscess) Clinical manifestations: - usually start as red, tender lumps - the lumps quickly fill with pus, growing larger & more painful until they rupture & drain * image [5] Complications: - multiple furuncles may coalesce to form a carbuncle Management: - incision & drainage may be needed - no antibiotics needed unless - immunosuppressed patients not responding to incision & drainage - signs of systemic infection (fever, tachycardia) [4] - Bactrim, doxycycline for MRSA - many furuncles drain spontaneously - topical chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) can prevent spreading of infection to adjacent hair follicles

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furunculosis

General

hair disease skin infection subcutaneous abscess; boil bacterial infection

References

  1. Stedman's Medical Dictionary 26th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1995
  2. Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, Common & Serious Diseases, 3rd ed, Fitzpatrick et al, McGraw Hill, NY, 1997, pg 610-615
  3. Mayo Clinic: Boils and carbuncles http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/boils-and-carbuncles/DS00466
  4. Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 17, 18. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2015, 2018
  5. Elkston CA, Elkston DM Bacterial Skin Infections: More Than Skin Deep. Medscape. July 19, 2021 https://reference.medscape.com/slideshow/infect-skin-6003449

Component-of

carbuncle (carbunculosis)