Boils and carbuncles - do not squeeze or open their own - Prevention

Prevention

Furuncle - an inflammation of the hair follicle, which is shown, usually painful blistering of the skin surface. Unlike pimples and blackheads in acne, boils on the face (and some other parts of the body, which are often open), can be transmitted from person to person, because they are caused mainly by staphylococci. The pus in boils formed as a result of white blood cells that fight bacteria; while furuncle increases in size, and often becomes more painful. In some cases, people have formed carbuncles - cluster of several boils in one place; while pus begins to accumulate in the hair follicles.

Diagnostics

Usually the diagnosis boils enough visual inspection. A more thorough examination may be required only in the following cases:

• Furuncle untreatable. In that case, perhaps it is not due to a staphylococcal infection;
• The patient has multiple boils and carbuncles;
• The patient with weakened immune systems due to disease or treatment.
• In such cases, the physician usually takes a swab from the surface boils and is conducting a study with a microscope. Sometimes it is also assigned a blood test to identify possible underlying diseases, such as diabetes (if diabetes was not diagnosed earlier).

Self-care

In most cases, boils on the face and other body parts can be treated successfully at home. One of the best ways to speed up the healing process - three or four times a day for 10 minutes to apply to boils a piece of gauze soaked in warm water. The heat intensifies the circulation around the boil, with the result that it receives more leukocytes.

After the boil overstrain, cover it with a sterile gauze bandage or cover (Mandatory "breathable" and gauze in the central part), that prevent the spread of infections. Then, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water, so as not to bring an infection to other parts of the body and does not pass it on to others.

If the boil is very painful, can ease pain using prescription painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen Ibuprofen: anti-inflammatory drug .

Large boils

If you have a large face appeared boil, or if it simply causes a very severe discomfort, consult a doctor. The same should be done when a boil becomes soft and porous to the touch though. These boils are usually not overstrain themselves, and are difficult to treat with antibiotics. In this case, the doctor can cure a boil using a simple procedure: its top is pierced and pus evacuated - is both reduces pain and speeds up the healing process. Before the procedure, patients sometimes give a local anesthetic.

In no case do not squeeze or puncture the boil yourself, as this will lead to the further spread of infection.

When antibiotics are needed

Antibiotics are usually recommended in the following cases:

• The appearance of boils accompanied by high fever;
• The development of secondary infection;
• The appearance of carbuncles;
• Furuncle causes pain and discomfort.

Patients with boils on the face in most cases, doctors prescribe antibiotics - because of the high risk of complications.

For the treatment of boils often it recommended a seven-day course of taking flucloxacillin, which belongs to the antibiotic of the penicillin group.

Those who are allergic to penicillin, can be assigned to other antibiotics such as erythromycin Erythromycin - if you are allergic to penicillin .

It is important to undergo a course of antibiotic treatment until the end, since otherwise the possible recurrence of infection.

Scars

The scars usually remain after a large boils or carbuncles. Although the scars will never go completely over time they become less noticeable.

For the treatment of scars boils on the face are most often used the following tools:

• Injections of corticosteroids, which help to even out scars;
• Medicines that break down scar tissue, such as aminobenzoate;
• Special dressings, smooth and soften scars;
• Plastic surgery.
• Many manage to mask the scars with the help of makeup.

Spread of infection

Bacteria from the boils on his face under some circumstances can spread to other parts of the body and cause secondary infection. The most common of these infections - cellulitis, an infection of deep layers of the skin.

Much less common secondary infections following:

• Septic arthritis Arthritis - a variety of forms and complications   - An infection of the joint;
• Osteomyelitis - an infection that develops inside the bone;
• Endocarditis - an infection of the inner lining of the heart;
• Sepsis - a blood infection;
• Brain abscess - collection of pus in the brain.

These infections are treated with injectable antibiotics. In sepsis and abscesses of the brain the patient may need intensive care.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis

Cavernous sinus thrombosis - a very rare and potentially life-threatening complication of boils. It develops as a result of an infection in the space behind the eye socket formed a blood clot that starts to put pressure on the brain, causing symptoms such as:

• The acute and very severe headache;
• Bulging eyes;
• Pain in the eyes, often - very strong.

Without urgent treatment with antibiotics thrombosis Thrombosis - the cause of heart attack and stroke   cavernous sinus can lead to death of the patient.

Prevention

The appearance of boils on the face can be prevented by including in people with weakened immune systems. To do this, follow these tips:

• Regularly wash your face and hands, using a mild antibacterial soap. This soap can be used for the entire body.
• Always carefully clean any cuts, sores and scratches, even when they seem to be very small and harmless.
• Cuts, wounds and scratches should be protected plasters or bandages until they heal.
• Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to improve the immune system. This will reduce the risk of boils.

Recommendations for the prevention of the spread boils to other parts of the body:

• Wash your hands with antibacterial soap every time after you touched Boils.
• Wash underwear, bed linen and towels at high temperatures.
• Use separate towels for the face.
• Bandage on a burst boils and change them regularly.
• Used bandages put in plastic bags and discard.