Furuncle: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Content:

A boil corresponds to a yellowish lump that forms due to an infection at the root of the hair and, therefore, it is more common to appear on the neck, armpits, scalp, chest, buttocks, face and belly. 

It usually disappears after a few days with just applying warm water compresses to the area to help remove the pus. However, if the boil does not heal within two weeks, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to prescribe ointments or even remove the pus surgically, if necessary.

However, to know if it is really a boil and not just a pimple, in addition to the yellowish lump with redness around it, it is important to realize, if:

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why does it happen

Furuncle happens due to infection and inflammation of the hair root, which is mainly caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus , which can be found naturally on mucous membranes, especially in the nose or mouth, as well as being identified on the skin.

However, despite being naturally present in the body without causing symptoms, when there are changes in immunity, wounds or inadequate hygiene, it is possible to favor the growth of this bacteria, which can result in inflammation of the hair root and the appearance of the boil and its symptoms.

Is a boil contagious?

Although most cases of boils are due to changes related to the person itself, the bacteria related to the boil can be transmitted from one person to another through contact with pus. Thus, it is important that people who live with another person who has a boil take measures to help prevent infection, such as applying an antibiotic cream that must be prescribed by a dermatologist.

In addition, the person with a boil should adopt some hygiene care, such as washing their hands after touching the boil or not sharing tissues, sheets, clothes or towels, for example.

However, the boil can also appear on its own, without needing to be in contact with someone who has this problem.

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Treatment to remove boil

Treatment for boils consists of washing the area every day with soap and water or an antiseptic soap, preferably recommended by the dermatologist, and applying warm water compresses to the area, which help to remove the pus, waiting for it to disappear. alone. It is not recommended to try to squeeze or pop the boil, as it can aggravate the infection and spread it to other areas of the skin.

However, when there is no improvement, a dermatologist should be consulted to start the use of antibiotic ointments such as Ictiol, Furacin, Nebacetin or Trok G. In cases where the boil appears repeatedly, the doctor may indicate the use of another ointment, known as Mupirocin, which prevents the emergence of this type of infection. Learn more about treatment for boils.

How is home treatment done?

Home treatment for boils aims to relieve symptoms, and is usually done with substances that have antiseptic properties, and are therefore able to help fight the infection. A great home treatment option for boils is the lemon compress, as lemon, in addition to being rich in vitamin C and strengthening the immune system, is antiseptic, helping to fight the bacteria that cause the infection.

In addition, it is important to have a natural diet and avoid the consumption of fatty foods. Discover 4 home remedies for boils.

How to prevent it from happening again

The prevention of another boil can be done by adopting hygiene care, such as:

  • Wash your hands after handling the boil;
  • Do not share clothes, handkerchiefs, sheets or towels;
  • Wash clothes, towels, sheets and all materials that come in contact with the skin area with the boil with boiling water;
  • Wash the boil with soap and water after it bursts on its own;
  • Change the compresses and put them in their own trash.

In addition, people who live with the patient should put an antibiotic cream recommended by the dermatologist in their nose several times a day, as the bacteria that cause the boil is transmitted through the air and can settle in the nostrils. Here 's how to prevent the appearance of a boil.