Furuncles

What Are Furuncles?

Furuncles are skin infections that affect a person’s hair follicles. They are very common. As damage occurs to the hair follicles the bacteria is able to burrow deeper and deeper into the follicle, causing a continual spiral of damages. Furuncles commonly affect the hair on the face, neck, armpits, buttocks, and thighs. They vary is size. Some are as small as a pea while others are as large as a golf ball. They are caused by bacteria and fungus. Clusters of furuncles that form together are called Carbunculosis.

Symptoms Of Furuncles

Furuncles commonly begin as a red tender area. They then begin to fill like a balloon full of water. Once the Furuncles start to drain, pus will come out of them. They can be agitating, so people tend to make them drain rather than waiting for it to happen on its own. This is because draining them helps to relieve the pressure and pain of the Furuncles. People generally have more than one Furuncle. They can be reoccurring. Some are just annoying while others can be very painful. Those that form close to the ear or nose are said to be the most painful because these areas are very sensitive. Furuncles are generally not life threatening, but they can be a hindrance and very painful. It can also be embarrassing when they start to drain in public. They pus may have a foul odor and the pus may stain your clothing.

Treatment Of Furuncles

There is no treatment for Furuncles except to let them heal on their own. They often increase in size and pain until the pus begins to drain from them. Once the Furuncles drain, they will begin the healing process. To help them drain in less time, soak the area with a warm wash cloth several times throughout the day. Avoid the urge to squeeze Furuncles to drain them as this will only make them flare up worse. Keep lesions that are draining covered with a sterile dressing. Keep them clean with soap and water. Wash your hands after touching them to prevent the spread of infection. Good hygiene can help prevent them from reoccurring. If you have Furuncles that last longer than two weeks or have a very high fever with them, contact a doctor immediately. This can be a sign of a very serious infection. Antibiotics will generally control the infection.

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