CARBUNCLE

Guess

what is

this???!

!!

Which when polished, looks something like this…

IT'S A GEM STONE CALLED CARBUNCLE!!!

Now this is the carbuncle we are going to learn about…

Doesn’t it look similar??

A carbuncle is a staphylococcal skin infection, made up of several skin boils (furuncles) that often involves a group of hair follicles . The infected material forms a lump, which occurs deep in the skin and may contain fluid, pus, and dead tissue. Fluid may drain out of the carbuncle, but sometimes the mass is so deep that it cannot drain on its own.

When you have more than one carbuncle, the condition is called carbunculosis.

Most carbuncles are caused by the bacteria staphylococcus aureus, but other bacteria and fungi present on the skin surface may also cause the infection. The infection is contagious and may spread to other areas of the body or other people. Several family members may develop carbuncles at the same time. Often, the cause of a carbuncle cannot be determined.

Causes and Risk factors

You are more likely to get a carbuncle if you have:

Friction from clothing or shavingPoor hygienePoor overall health (weakening of immunity-

poor immune system)Persons with diabetes, dermatitis, and

weakened immune systems are more likely to develop staphylococcal infections that can cause carbuncles.

A carbuncle usually extends into the deeper layers of the skin - the subcutaneous fat. It forms into a broad, painful nodule that often drains pus through multiple openings of the skin. Carbuncles may develop anywhere, but they are most common on a hairy area with thicker skin such as the back and the nape of the neck. It may spread to other areas of the body like shoulders, hips, buttocks, thighs, groin, and armpits. Carbuncles predominantly occur in middle-aged or elderly males. Men get carbuncles more often than women.

Incidence

A carbuncle is a swollen lump or mass under the skin. It may be the size of a pea or as large as a golf ball. The carbuncle may be red and irritated and might hurt when you touch it.

It may also:Grow very fastHave a white or yellow center (containing pus)Weep, ooze, or crustSpread to other skin areas

Symptoms

Sometimes, other symptoms may occur. These may include:

FatigueFeverSwelling of lymph nodes especially in the

neck, armpit and groin.General discomfort or sick feelingSkin itching before the carbuncle develops

A sample of the pus may sent to a lab to determine the bacteria causing the infection, and to help your doctor determine the appropriate treatment.

Tests

Carbuncles usually must drain before they will heal. This most often occurs on its own in less than 2 weeks.

Placing a warm moist cloth on the carbuncle helps it to drain, which speeds healing. Gently soak the area with a warm, moist cloth several times each day. Never squeeze a boil or attempt to cut it open at home because this can spread the infection and make it worse.

You need treatment if the carbuncle lasts longer than 2 weeks, returns frequently, is located on the spine or the middle of the face, or occurs along with a fever or other symptoms. Treatment helps reduce complications related to an infection.

Treatment

Your doctor may prescribe:Antibacterial soapsAntibiotics applied to the skin or taken by

mouthDeep or large lesions may need to be drained

by a health care provider.

Proper hygiene is very important to prevent the spread of infection. Always wash your hands very well after touching a carbuncle. Avoid wearing tight clothing that doesn't allow the skin to breathe. Do not re-use or share washcloths or towels -- this can cause the infection to spread. Clothing, washcloths, towels, and sheets or other items that contact infected areas should be washed in very hot (preferably boiling) water. Bandages should be changed frequently and thrown away in a bag that can be tightly closed.

Prevention

Carbuncles may heal on their own. Others usually respond well to treatment. However, a carbuncle can return again and again for months or years following the first infection.

Expectations/ Outlook (Prognosis)

In rare cases, staphylococcus bacteria from carbuncle can spread into the bloodstream and cause complications.

Abscess of the brain, skin, spinal cord, or organs such as the kidneys (collection of pus, that in most cases, causes swelling and inflammation around the body part.)

Encephalitis (inflammation and swelling of the brain due to a viral infection or other causes)

Meningitis (infection or inflammation of the sac around the brain and spinal cord)

Possible/ Potential Complications

Endocarditis [inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium).]

Osteomyelitis (acute or chronic bone infection)

Permanent scarring of the skinSepsis (life-threatening bacterial blood

infection)Spread of infection to other areas

Thank You!!!