Furuncle

What is it?

Bacterial skin infection that causes necrosis (destruction) of the pilosebaceous follicle. It is caused by the bacteria staphylococcus.

Characteristics and symptoms

The lesion begins with a very painful nodule (lump), red, inflammatory, hard and hot, that may be centered by a small dot of pus around a hair shaft.

With the evolution, there is disruption of the nodule and the elimination of pus and a whitish mass, forming a ulcer that, after healing, can leave a dark blotch.

The lesions are most common in skin folds and very often appear on the buttocks and groin, but may arise elsewhere as the abdomen and thighs.

When they occur repeatedly, the disease is called furunculosis and is associated with a deficiency of the body in preventing infection of the follicle. When multiple lesions appear simultaneously, close to each other and interconnected, the condition is known as anthrax, occurring most commonly in the neck region.

Treatment

Treatment is done with local and systemic antibiotics. In very painful cases, an incision can be made to drainage, with immediate relief of pain.

In cases of furunculosis, one should investigate and prevent what is favoring the appearance of lesions and stimulate the individual's immunity to fight infection. The dermatologist is the professional indicated for the treatment of furuncles and furunculosis.

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