Boil
995668
226113602
2008-07-16T21:45:47Z
Nsaa
113357
Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/12.205.242.113|12.205.242.113]] to last version by ClueBot (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]])
{{two other uses|the skin disease|the change in state from liquid to gas|Boiling}}
{{Unreferenced|date=March 2008}}
{{Infobox_Disease
| Name = Boil
| Image =
| Caption =
| DiseasesDB = 29434
| ICD10 = {{ICD10|L|02||l|00}}
| ICD9 = {{ICD9|680.9}}
| ICDO =
| OMIM =
| MedlinePlus =
| eMedicineSubj =
| eMedicineTopic =
| MeshID = D005667
}}
'''Boil''' or '''furuncle''' is a skin disease caused by the infection of [[hair follicle]]s, thus resulting in the localized accumulation of [[pus]] and dead tissue. Individual boils can cluster together and form an interconnected network of boils called [[carbuncle]]s. In severe cases, boils may develop to form [[abscess]]es.
==Symptoms==
The symptoms of boils are red, [[pus]]-filled lumps that are tender, warm, and/or painful. A yellow or white point at the center of the lump can be seen when the boil is ready to drain or discharge [[pus]]. In a severe infection, multiple boils may develop and the patient may experience [[fever]] and swollen [[lymph node]]s. A recurring boil is called chronic furunculosis.
In some people, itching may develop before the lumps begin to develop. Boils are most often found on the back, stomach, underarms, shoulders, face, lip, eyes, nose, thighs and buttocks, but may be found elsewhere. Boils on the ear tend to be more painful, and can create shooting pain in the entire area when touched.
Sometimes boils will emit an unpleasant smell, particularly when drained or when discharge is present, due to the presence of bacteria in the discharge.
==Causes==
Boils are generally caused by an infection of the hair follicles by ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'', a strain of [[bacterium]] that normally lives on the skin surface. It is thought that a tiny cut of the skin allows this bacterium to enter the follicles and cause an infection. This can happen during bathing or while using a razor.
People with [[immune system]] disorders, [[diabetes]], poor hygiene or malnutrition ([[Vitamin A]] or [[Vitamin E|E]] deficiency) are particularly susceptible to getting boils; however, they also occur in healthy, hygienic individuals, due to over scratching a particular area of the skin.
''[[Hidradenitis suppurativa]]'' causes frequent boils. Boils in the [[armpits]] can sometimes be caused by [[anti-perspirant]] deodorants.{{Fact|date=March 2008}}
The development of boils throughout the body is also a symptom of [[smallpox]].
==Treatments==
Most boils run their course within 4 to 10 days. For most people, self-care by applying a warm compress or soaking the boil in warm water can help alleviate the pain and hasten draining of the pus (colloquially referred to as "bringing the boil to a head"). Once the boil drains, the area should be washed with antibacterial soap and bandaged well. The maturing process may be accelerated by applying [[Ammonium bituminosulfonate|Ichthammol]]-based salve.{{Fact|date=May 2008}}
In serious cases, prescription oral [[antibiotic]]s such as [[dicloxacillin]] (Dynapen) or [[cephalexin]] (Keflex), or topical antibiotics, are commonly used. For patients allergic to penicillin-based drugs, [[erythromycin]] (E-base, Erycin) may also be used.
However, some boils are caused by a [[Antibiotic resistance|super bug]] known as '''Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant ''Staphylococcus Aureus''''', or '''[[MRSA|CA-MRSA]]'''. [[Bactrim]] or other [[sulfa]] drugs must be prescribed relatively soon after such a boil has started to form. MRSA tends to increase the speed of growth of the infection.
[[Magnesium sulphate]] (epsom salt) paste applied to the affected area can prevent the growth of bacteria and reduce boils by absorbing pus and drying up the lesion.{{Fact|date=May 2008}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
* [http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/9562.html InteliHealth - Boils and Carbuncles]
* [http://www.healthinplainenglish.com/health/skin/boil/index.htm Health In Plain English - Boil or Furuncle]
* [http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/20077-1.asp eMedicine Health - Boils Overview]
* [http://www.medicinenet.com/boils/article.htm MedicineNet.com - Boils]
* {{DermAtlas|1817374494}}
{{Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue}}
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Skin diseases]]
[[da:Furunkel]]
[[de:Furunkel]]
[[et:Furunkul]]
[[fr:Furoncle]]
[[he:פורונקל]]
[[lt:Šunvotė]]
[[nl:Steenpuist]]
[[ja:せつ]]
[[pl:Czyrak]]
[[pt:Furúnculo]]
[[ru:Фурункул]]
[[simple:Boil]]
[[fi:Furunkuloosi]]
[[sv:Furunkel]]
[[tr:Çıban]]