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A '''boil''', also called a '''furuncle''', is a deep [[folliculitis]], [[infection]] of the [[hair follicle]]. It is almost always caused by infection by the [[bacterium]] ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'', resulting in a painful swollen area on the [[human skin|skin]] caused by an accumulation of [[pus]] and dead tissue.<ref name=medline>Furuncle at Medline Plus, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001474.htm</ref> Individual boils clustered together are called [[carbuncle]]s.<ref name=medline2>Carbuncle at medline Plus, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000825.htm</ref>
A '''boil''', also called a '''furuncle''', is a deep [[folliculitis]], [[infection]] of the [[hair follicle]]. It is almost always caused by infection by the [[bacterium]] ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'', resulting in a painful swollen area on the [[human skin|skin]] caused by an accumulation of [[pus]] and dead tissue.<ref name=medline>{{MedlinePlus|001474|Furuncle}}</ref> Individual boils clustered together are called [[carbuncle]]s.<ref name=medline2>{{MedlinePlus|000825|Carbuncle}}</ref>
''Staphylococcus'' is a [[genus]] of bacteria that is characterized by being round (coccus or spheroid shaped), [[Gram-positive]], and found as either single cells, in pairs, or more frequently, in clusters that resemble a bunch of [[grape]]s. The genus name ''Staphylococcus'' is derived from [[Greek language|Greek]] terms "staphyle and kokkos" that mean "a bunch of grapes", which is how the bacteria often appears [[microscopically]] (after [[Gram staining]]). In 1884, [[Germans|German]] [[physician]] [[Ottomar Rosenbach]] first described and named the bacteria. Two major divisions of the genus ''Staphylococcus'' are separated by the bacteria's ability to produce [[coagulase]], an [[enzyme]] that can clot blood. Most human infections are caused by coagulase-positive ''S. aureus'' [[Strain (biology)|strains]]. Almost any [[organ system]] can be infected by ''S. aureus''.
''Staphylococcus'' is a [[genus]] of bacteria that is characterized by being round (coccus or spheroid shaped), [[Gram-positive]], and found as either single cells, in pairs, or more frequently, in clusters that resemble a bunch of [[grape]]s. The genus name ''Staphylococcus'' is derived from [[Greek language|Greek]] terms "staphyle and kokkos" that mean "a bunch of grapes", which is how the bacteria often appears [[microscopically]] (after [[Gram staining]]). In 1884, [[Germans|German]] [[physician]] [[Ottomar Rosenbach]] first described and named the bacteria. Two major divisions of the genus ''Staphylococcus'' are separated by the bacteria's ability to produce [[coagulase]], an [[enzyme]] that can clot blood. Most human infections are caused by coagulase-positive ''S. aureus'' [[Strain (biology)|strains]]. Almost any [[organ system]] can be infected by ''S. aureus''.


==Signs and symptoms==
==Signs and symptoms==
Boils are bumpy red, [[pus]]-filled lumps around a hair follicle that are [[tender]], warm, and very painful. They range from pea-sized to golf ball-sized. 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, an individual may experience [[fever]], swollen [[lymph node]]s, and [[fatigue (medical)|fatigue]]. A recurring boil is called chronic furunculosis.<ref name=medline/><ref name=Bolognia>Blume JE, Levine EG, Heymann WR. "Bacterial diseases". (2003). In Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Rapini RP (Eds.), ''Dermatology'', p. 1126. Mosby. ISBN 0323024092.</ref><ref name=habif>Habif, TP. Furuncles and carbuncles. In: Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Inc; 2004.</ref><ref name=wolf>Wolf K, et al. Section 22. Bacterial infections involving the skin. In: Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, 5th ed. McGraw-Hill Companies Inc; 2005</ref> Skin infections tend to be recurrent in many patients and often spread to other family members. Systemic factors that lower resistance commonly are detectable, including: diabetes, obesity, and hematologic disorders.<ref>Steele RW, Laner SA, Graves MH. Recurrent staphylococcal infection in families. Arch Dermatology 1980; 116(2):189-90</ref>
Boils are bumpy red, [[pus]]-filled lumps around a hair follicle that are [[tender]], warm, and very painful. They range from pea-sized to golf ball-sized. 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, an individual may experience [[fever]], swollen [[lymph node]]s, and [[fatigue (medical)|fatigue]]. A recurring boil is called chronic furunculosis.<ref name=medline/><ref name=Bolognia>{{cite book |author=Blume JE, Levine EG, Heymann WR |chapter=Bacterial diseases |editor=Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Rapini RP |title=Dermatology |publisher=Mosby |year=2003 |isbn=0323024092 |page=1126 }}</ref><ref name=habif>{{cite book |author=Habif, TP |chapter=Furuncles and carbuncles |title=Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy |publisher=Mosby |location=Philadelphia PA |year=2004 |edition=4th }}</ref><ref name=wolf>{{cite book |author=Wolf K, ''et al.'' |chapter=Section 22. Bacterial infections involving the skin |title=Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology |publisher=McGraw-Hill |year=2005 |edition=5th }}</ref> Skin infections tend to be recurrent in many patients and often spread to other family members. Systemic factors that lower resistance commonly are detectable, including: diabetes, obesity, and hematologic disorders.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Steele RW, Laner SA, Graves MH |title=Recurrent staphylococcal infection in families |journal=Arch Dermatol |volume=116 |issue=2 |pages=189–90 |date=February 1980 |pmid=7356349 |url=http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=7356349}}</ref>


==Causes==
==Causes==
Usually, the cause is bacteria such as [[staphylococci]] that are present on the skin. Bacterial colonization begins in the [[hair follicle]]s and can cause local [[cellulitis]] and inflammation.<ref name=medline/><ref name=wolf/><ref name=habif/> Additionally, [[myiasis]] caused by the [[Cordylobia anthropophaga|Tumbu fly]] in Africa usually presents with cutaneous furuncles.<ref>Tamir J, Haik J, Schwartz E. Myiasis with Lund's fly (Cordylobia rodhaini) in travelers. J Travel Med. (2003);10(5):293-5.PMID: 14531984</ref> [[Risk factor]]s for furunculosis include [[bacteria]]l carriage in the nostrils, [[diabetes mellitus]], [[obesity]], [[Lymphoproliferative disorders|lymphoproliferative]] [[neoplasm]]s, [[malnutrition]], and use of [[immunosuppressive drug]]s.<ref>Scheinfeld NS. (2007). "[http://www.consultantlive.com/display/article/10162/36304 Furunculosis]". ''Consultant'' 47 ('''2''').</ref> Patients with recurrent boils are as well more likely to have a positive family history, take antibiotics, and to have been hospitalized, anemic, or diabetic; they are also more likely to have associated skin diseases and multiple lesions.<ref name="ReferenceA">Dermatology Online Journal Volume 15 Number 1 January 2009: “Risk factors of recurrent furunculosis” Abdel-Hady El-Gilany MB BCh MSc MD1, Hanan Fathy MB BCh MSc MD2 Dermatology Online Journal 15 (1): 16</ref>
Usually, the cause is bacteria such as [[staphylococci]] that are present on the skin. Bacterial colonization begins in the [[hair follicle]]s and can cause local [[cellulitis]] and inflammation.<ref name=medline/><ref name=wolf/><ref name=habif/> Additionally, [[myiasis]] caused by the [[Cordylobia anthropophaga|Tumbu fly]] in Africa usually presents with cutaneous furuncles.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Tamir J, Haik J, Schwartz E |title=Myiasis with Lund's fly (''Cordylobia rodhaini'') in travelers |journal=J Travel Med |volume=10 |issue=5 |pages=293–5 |year=2003 |pmid=14531984}}</ref> [[Risk factor]]s for furunculosis include [[bacteria]]l carriage in the nostrils, [[diabetes mellitus]], [[obesity]], [[Lymphoproliferative disorders|lymphoproliferative]] [[neoplasm]]s, [[malnutrition]], and use of [[immunosuppressive drug]]s.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Scheinfeld NS |title=Furunculosis |journal=Consultant |volume=47 |issue=2 |year=2007 |url=http://www.consultantlive.com/display/article/10162/36304}}</ref> Patients with recurrent boils are as well more likely to have a positive family history, take antibiotics, and to have been hospitalized, anemic, or diabetic; they are also more likely to have associated skin diseases and multiple lesions.<ref name=ElGilany09>{{cite journal |author=El-Gilany AH, Fathy H |title=Risk factors of recurrent furunculosis |journal=Dermatol Online J |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=16 |date=January 2009 |pmid=19281721 |url=http://dermatology.cdlib.org/1501/letters/furunculosis/elgilany.html}}</ref>


==Complications==
==Complications==
The most common complications of boils are scarring and infection or abscess of the skin, spinal cord, brain, kidneys, or other organs. Infections may also spread to the bloodstream ([[sepsis]]) and become life-threatening.<ref name=habif/><ref name=wolf/> ''S. aureus'' strains first infect the skin and its structures (for example, sebaceous glands, hair follicles) or invades damaged skin (cuts, abrasions). Sometimes the infections are relatively limited (such as a [[stye]], boil, furuncle, or carbuncle), but other times they may spread to other skin areas (causing cellulitis, folliculitis, or impetigo). Unfortunately, these bacteria can reach the bloodstream (bacteremia) and end up in many different body sites, causing infections (wound infections, abscesses, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, pneumonia)<ref>Lina, G, et al. Involvement of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing ''Staphylococcus aureus'' in primary skin infections and pneumonia. Clin. Infect. Dis. 1999. 29:1128-1132.</ref> that may severely harm or kill the infected person. S. aureus strains also produce enzymes and exotoxins (both secreted by staph) that likely cause or increase the severity of certain diseases. Such diseases include food poisoning, septic shock, toxic shock syndrome, and scalded skin syndrome.<ref>http://www.emedicinehealth.com/staphylococcus/page4_em.htm</ref> Almost any organ system can be infected by S. aureus.
The most common complications of boils are scarring and infection or abscess of the skin, spinal cord, brain, kidneys, or other organs. Infections may also spread to the bloodstream ([[sepsis]]) and become life-threatening.<ref name=habif/><ref name=wolf/> ''S. aureus'' strains first infect the skin and its structures (for example, sebaceous glands, hair follicles) or invades damaged skin (cuts, abrasions). Sometimes the infections are relatively limited (such as a [[stye]], boil, furuncle, or carbuncle), but other times they may spread to other skin areas (causing cellulitis, folliculitis, or impetigo). Unfortunately, these bacteria can reach the bloodstream (bacteremia) and end up in many different body sites, causing infections (wound infections, abscesses, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, pneumonia)<ref>{{cite journal |author=Lina G, Piémont Y, Godail-Gamot F, Bes M, Peter MO, Gauduchon V, Vandenesch F, Etienne J |title=Involvement of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing ''Staphylococcus aureus'' in primary skin infections and pneumonia |journal=Clin Infect Dis |volume=29 |issue=5 |pages=1128–32 |date=November 1999 |pmid=10524952 |url=http://www.cid.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=10524952}}</ref> that may severely harm or kill the infected person. ''S. aureus'' strains also produce enzymes and exotoxins (both secreted by staph) that likely cause or increase the severity of certain diseases. Such diseases include food poisoning, septic shock, toxic shock syndrome, and scalded skin syndrome.<ref>http://www.emedicinehealth.com/staphylococcus/page4_em.htm</ref> Almost any organ system can be infected by ''S. aureus''.


==Treatment==
==Treatment==
In contrast to common belief, boils do not need to be drained in order to heal; in fact opening the affected skin area can cause further infections.<ref>Mayo Clinic [http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/boils-and-carbuncles/DS00466 Boils and carbuncles]</ref> In some instance however, draining can be encouraged by application of a cloth soaked in warm salt water. Washing and covering the furuncle with antibiotic cream or antiseptic [[tea tree oil]]<ref>Tree tea oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com/(S(iyok1uyiw1fl112ek3ax2lu2))/nd/Search.aspx?cs=MAYO&s=ND&pt=100&id=113&fs=ND&searchid=11129198. Accessed 7-17-2010.</ref> and a bandage also promotes healing. Furuncles should never be squeezed or lanced without the oversight of a medical practitioner because it may spread the infection.<ref name=medline>Furuncle at MedlinePlus, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001474.htm</ref><ref name=wolf/>
In contrast to common belief, boils do not need to be drained in order to heal; in fact opening the affected skin area can cause further infections.<ref>Mayo Clinic [http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/boils-and-carbuncles/DS00466 Boils and carbuncles]</ref> In some instance however, draining can be encouraged by application of a cloth soaked in warm salt water. Washing and covering the furuncle with antibiotic cream or antiseptic [[tea tree oil]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Tree tea oil |work=Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database |url=http://www.naturaldatabase.com/(S(iyok1uyiw1fl112ek3ax2lu2))/nd/Search.aspx?cs=MAYO&s=ND&pt=100&id=113&fs=ND&searchid=11129198}}</ref> and a bandage also promotes healing. Furuncles should never be squeezed or lanced without the oversight of a medical practitioner because it may spread the infection.<ref name=medline/><ref name=wolf/>


Furuncles at risk of leading to serious complications should be incised and drained by a medical practitioner. These include furuncles that are unusually large, last longer than two weeks, or are located in the middle of the face or near the spine.<ref name=medline/><ref name=wolf/>
Furuncles at risk of leading to serious complications should be incised and drained by a medical practitioner. These include furuncles that are unusually large, last longer than two weeks, or are located in the middle of the face or near the spine.<ref name=medline/><ref name=wolf/>


[[Antibiotic]] therapy is advisable for large or recurrent boils or those that occur in sensitive areas (such as around or in the nostrils or in the ear).<ref name=Bolognia/><ref name=medline/><ref name=wolf/><ref name=habif/>
[[Antibiotic]] therapy is advisable for large or recurrent boils or those that occur in sensitive areas (such as around or in the nostrils or in the ear).<ref name=Bolognia/><ref name=medline/><ref name=wolf/><ref name=habif/>
Staphylococcus aureus has the ability to acquire antimicrobial resistance easily, making treatment difficult. Knowledge of the antimicrobial resistance of S. aureus is important in the selection of antimicrobials for treatment.<ref>Nagaraju U, Bhat G, Kuruvila M, Pai GS, Babu RP. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus in community-acquired pyoderma. Int J Dermatol. 2004;43(6):412-14.</ref> Poor personal hygiene being common, the role of nasal S. aureus carrier may differ from communities with good hygienic practices. Staphylococcus aureus re-infection may result from contact with infected family members, contaminated fomites, or from other extra-nasal sites. This raises a suggestion to treat household contacts and close contacts if recurrence persists, because it is likely that one or more contacts are asymptomatic carriers of S. aureus. In addition to the increase in the cost of treatment in poor countries, the possibility of developing drug resistance must be considered. The most important independent predictor of recurrence is a positive family history. Boils are spread among individuals by touching or bursting a boil. Furunculosis is a common disease, particularly with deficient hygiene. A large number of S. aureus organisms are frequently present on the sheets and underclothing of patients with furunculosis and may cause re-infection of patients and infection of other members of the family.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
Staphylococcus aureus has the ability to acquire antimicrobial resistance easily, making treatment difficult. Knowledge of the antimicrobial resistance of ''S. aureus'' is important in the selection of antimicrobials for treatment.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Nagaraju U, Bhat G, Kuruvila M, Pai GS, Babu RP |title=Methicillin-resistant ''staphylococcus aureus'' in community-acquired pyoderma |journal=Int J Dermatol |volume=43 |issue=6 |pages=412–4 |year=2004 |pmid=15186220 }}</ref> Poor personal hygiene being common, the role of nasal ''S. aureus'' carrier may differ from communities with good hygienic practices. ''Staphylococcus aureus'' re-infection may result from contact with infected family members, contaminated fomites, or from other extra-nasal sites. This raises a suggestion to treat household contacts and close contacts if recurrence persists, because it is likely that one or more contacts are asymptomatic carriers of ''S. aureus''. In addition to the increase in the cost of treatment in poor countries, the possibility of developing drug resistance must be considered. The most important independent predictor of recurrence is a positive family history. Boils are spread among individuals by touching or bursting a boil. Furunculosis is a common disease, particularly with deficient hygiene. A large number of ''S. aureus'' organisms are frequently present on the sheets and underclothing of patients with furunculosis and may cause re-infection of patients and infection of other members of the family.<ref name=ElGilany09/>
The role of iron deficiency anemia in recurrent furunculosis was demonstrated, all patients were free from recurrence during the six months follow-up period after iron supplementation.<ref>Demircay Z, Eksioglu-Demiralp E, Ergun T, et al. Phagocytosis and oxidative burst by neutrophils in patients with recurrent furunculosis. Br J Dermatol. 1998;138(6):1036-38</ref>
The role of iron deficiency anemia in recurrent furunculosis was demonstrated, all patients were free from recurrence during the six months follow-up period after iron supplementation.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Demircay Z, Eksioglu-Demiralp E, Ergun T, ''et al.'' |title=Phagocytosis and oxidative burst by neutrophils in patients with recurrent furunculosis |journal=Br J Dermatol |volume=138 |issue=6 |pages=1036–8 |year=1998 |pmid=9747369 }}</ref>
A variety of host factors, such as abnormal neutrophil chemotaxis, deficient intra-cellular killing, and immuno-deficient states are of importance in a minority of patients with recurrent furunculosis.<ref>Fitzpatrick JE. Bacterial infection. In: Dermatology secrets. Edited by Fitzpatrick JE, Aeling JL. Hanley and Belfus, Inc. 1996. P 174</ref> Health education about sound personal hygiene and correction of anemia should be mandatory in management of furunculosis.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
A variety of host factors, such as abnormal neutrophil chemotaxis, deficient intra-cellular killing, and immuno-deficient states are of importance in a minority of patients with recurrent furunculosis.<ref>{{cite book |author=Fitzpatrick JE |chapter=Bacterial infection |editor=Fitzpatrick JE, Aeling JL |title=Dermatology secrets |publisher=Hanley and Belfus |year=1996 |page=174 }}</ref> Health education about sound personal hygiene and correction of anemia should be mandatory in management of furunculosis.<ref name=ElGilany09/>
It was found that recurrence was significantly associated with poor personal hygiene.<ref>Shah KS, Hansotia MF. Personal hygiene. In: Community medicine and public health. Edited by Iliyas M. Reprint. 2005. P. 557</ref> A previous study reported that MRSA infection was significantly associated with poor personal hygiene. It was reported that frequent hand and body washing with water and antimicrobial soap solution decreases staphylococcus skin colonization. Previous use of antibiotics is associated with a high risk of recurrence. This may be due to the development of resistance to the antibiotics used.<ref name="ReferenceB">Laube S, Farrell M. Bacterial skin infection in the elderly: diagnosis and treatment. Drugs and Aging 2002;19(5):331-42.</ref> An associated skin disease favors recurrence. This may be attributed to the persistent colonization of abnormal skin with S. aureus strains, such as is the case in patients with atopic dermatitis.<ref name="ReferenceB"/>
It was found that recurrence was significantly associated with poor personal hygiene.<ref>{{cite book |author=Shah KS, Hansotia MF |chapter=Personal hygiene |editor=Iliyas M |title=Community medicine and public health |year=2005 |page=557 }}</ref> A previous study reported that [[MRSA]] infection was significantly associated with poor personal hygiene. It was reported that frequent hand and body washing with water and antimicrobial soap solution decreases staphylococcus skin colonization. Previous use of antibiotics is associated with a high risk of recurrence. This may be due to the development of resistance to the antibiotics used.<ref name=Laube02>{{cite journal |author=Laube S, Farrell M |title=Bacterial skin infection in the elderly: diagnosis and treatment |journal=Drugs and Aging |volume=19 |issue=5 |pages=331–42 |year=2002 |pmid=12093320 }}</ref> An associated skin disease favors recurrence. This may be attributed to the persistent colonization of abnormal skin with ''S. aureus'' strains, such as is the case in patients with atopic dermatitis.<ref name=Laube02/>


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 47: Line 47:
==External links==
==External links==
* {{DermAtlas|1817374494}}
* {{DermAtlas|1817374494}}
* [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001474.htm Medline description of boils aka furuncles.]
{{Diseases of the skin and appendages by morphology}}
{{Diseases of the skin and appendages by morphology}}
{{Cutaneous infections}}
{{Cutaneous infections}}

Revision as of 13:53, 24 May 2011

Template:Two other uses

Boil
SpecialtyDermatology Edit this on Wikidata

A boil, also called a furuncle, is a deep folliculitis, infection of the hair follicle. It is almost always caused by infection by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, resulting in a painful swollen area on the skin caused by an accumulation of pus and dead tissue.[1] Individual boils clustered together are called carbuncles.[2] Staphylococcus is a genus of bacteria that is characterized by being round (coccus or spheroid shaped), Gram-positive, and found as either single cells, in pairs, or more frequently, in clusters that resemble a bunch of grapes. The genus name Staphylococcus is derived from Greek terms "staphyle and kokkos" that mean "a bunch of grapes", which is how the bacteria often appears microscopically (after Gram staining). In 1884, German physician Ottomar Rosenbach first described and named the bacteria. Two major divisions of the genus Staphylococcus are separated by the bacteria's ability to produce coagulase, an enzyme that can clot blood. Most human infections are caused by coagulase-positive S. aureus strains. Almost any organ system can be infected by S. aureus.

Signs and symptoms

Boils are bumpy red, pus-filled lumps around a hair follicle that are tender, warm, and very painful. They range from pea-sized to golf ball-sized. 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, an individual may experience fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. A recurring boil is called chronic furunculosis.[1][3][4][5] Skin infections tend to be recurrent in many patients and often spread to other family members. Systemic factors that lower resistance commonly are detectable, including: diabetes, obesity, and hematologic disorders.[6]

Causes

Usually, the cause is bacteria such as staphylococci that are present on the skin. Bacterial colonization begins in the hair follicles and can cause local cellulitis and inflammation.[1][5][4] Additionally, myiasis caused by the Tumbu fly in Africa usually presents with cutaneous furuncles.[7] Risk factors for furunculosis include bacterial carriage in the nostrils, diabetes mellitus, obesity, lymphoproliferative neoplasms, malnutrition, and use of immunosuppressive drugs.[8] Patients with recurrent boils are as well more likely to have a positive family history, take antibiotics, and to have been hospitalized, anemic, or diabetic; they are also more likely to have associated skin diseases and multiple lesions.[9]

Complications

The most common complications of boils are scarring and infection or abscess of the skin, spinal cord, brain, kidneys, or other organs. Infections may also spread to the bloodstream (sepsis) and become life-threatening.[4][5] S. aureus strains first infect the skin and its structures (for example, sebaceous glands, hair follicles) or invades damaged skin (cuts, abrasions). Sometimes the infections are relatively limited (such as a stye, boil, furuncle, or carbuncle), but other times they may spread to other skin areas (causing cellulitis, folliculitis, or impetigo). Unfortunately, these bacteria can reach the bloodstream (bacteremia) and end up in many different body sites, causing infections (wound infections, abscesses, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, pneumonia)[10] that may severely harm or kill the infected person. S. aureus strains also produce enzymes and exotoxins (both secreted by staph) that likely cause or increase the severity of certain diseases. Such diseases include food poisoning, septic shock, toxic shock syndrome, and scalded skin syndrome.[11] Almost any organ system can be infected by S. aureus.

Treatment

In contrast to common belief, boils do not need to be drained in order to heal; in fact opening the affected skin area can cause further infections.[12] In some instance however, draining can be encouraged by application of a cloth soaked in warm salt water. Washing and covering the furuncle with antibiotic cream or antiseptic tea tree oil[13] and a bandage also promotes healing. Furuncles should never be squeezed or lanced without the oversight of a medical practitioner because it may spread the infection.[1][5]

Furuncles at risk of leading to serious complications should be incised and drained by a medical practitioner. These include furuncles that are unusually large, last longer than two weeks, or are located in the middle of the face or near the spine.[1][5]

Antibiotic therapy is advisable for large or recurrent boils or those that occur in sensitive areas (such as around or in the nostrils or in the ear).[3][1][5][4] Staphylococcus aureus has the ability to acquire antimicrobial resistance easily, making treatment difficult. Knowledge of the antimicrobial resistance of S. aureus is important in the selection of antimicrobials for treatment.[14] Poor personal hygiene being common, the role of nasal S. aureus carrier may differ from communities with good hygienic practices. Staphylococcus aureus re-infection may result from contact with infected family members, contaminated fomites, or from other extra-nasal sites. This raises a suggestion to treat household contacts and close contacts if recurrence persists, because it is likely that one or more contacts are asymptomatic carriers of S. aureus. In addition to the increase in the cost of treatment in poor countries, the possibility of developing drug resistance must be considered. The most important independent predictor of recurrence is a positive family history. Boils are spread among individuals by touching or bursting a boil. Furunculosis is a common disease, particularly with deficient hygiene. A large number of S. aureus organisms are frequently present on the sheets and underclothing of patients with furunculosis and may cause re-infection of patients and infection of other members of the family.[9] The role of iron deficiency anemia in recurrent furunculosis was demonstrated, all patients were free from recurrence during the six months follow-up period after iron supplementation.[15] A variety of host factors, such as abnormal neutrophil chemotaxis, deficient intra-cellular killing, and immuno-deficient states are of importance in a minority of patients with recurrent furunculosis.[16] Health education about sound personal hygiene and correction of anemia should be mandatory in management of furunculosis.[9] It was found that recurrence was significantly associated with poor personal hygiene.[17] A previous study reported that MRSA infection was significantly associated with poor personal hygiene. It was reported that frequent hand and body washing with water and antimicrobial soap solution decreases staphylococcus skin colonization. Previous use of antibiotics is associated with a high risk of recurrence. This may be due to the development of resistance to the antibiotics used.[18] An associated skin disease favors recurrence. This may be attributed to the persistent colonization of abnormal skin with S. aureus strains, such as is the case in patients with atopic dermatitis.[18]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Furuncle
  2. ^ MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Carbuncle
  3. ^ a b Blume JE, Levine EG, Heymann WR (2003). "Bacterial diseases". In Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Rapini RP (ed.). Dermatology. Mosby. p. 1126. ISBN 0323024092.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ a b c d Habif, TP (2004). "Furuncles and carbuncles". Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy (4th ed.). Philadelphia PA: Mosby.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Wolf K; et al. (2005). "Section 22. Bacterial infections involving the skin". Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill. {{cite book}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)
  6. ^ Steele RW, Laner SA, Graves MH (February 1980). "Recurrent staphylococcal infection in families". Arch Dermatol. 116 (2): 189–90. PMID 7356349.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Tamir J, Haik J, Schwartz E (2003). "Myiasis with Lund's fly (Cordylobia rodhaini) in travelers". J Travel Med. 10 (5): 293–5. PMID 14531984.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Scheinfeld NS (2007). "Furunculosis". Consultant. 47 (2).
  9. ^ a b c El-Gilany AH, Fathy H (January 2009). "Risk factors of recurrent furunculosis". Dermatol Online J. 15 (1): 16. PMID 19281721.
  10. ^ Lina G, Piémont Y, Godail-Gamot F, Bes M, Peter MO, Gauduchon V, Vandenesch F, Etienne J (November 1999). "Involvement of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing Staphylococcus aureus in primary skin infections and pneumonia". Clin Infect Dis. 29 (5): 1128–32. PMID 10524952.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ http://www.emedicinehealth.com/staphylococcus/page4_em.htm
  12. ^ Mayo Clinic Boils and carbuncles
  13. ^ "Tree tea oil". Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.
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