Carbuncle: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

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Carbuncle
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Carbuncle

• Carbuncle is a skin infection resulting in the
  formation of a lump that may contain pus.
  Carbuncle is also known as staph skin infection.
  When there is a formation of more than one
  carbuncle, it is called Carbonculosis. A
  carbuncle occurs deep under the skin and involves
  a group of hair follicles. Carbuncle appears as a
  swollen, red, and painful bunch of boils that are
  linked to each other beneath the skin. Carbuncle
  generally develops in a hairy area of the body,
  such as behind the neck, armpits, thighs,
  buttocks, and groin. Carbuncles are more common
  among men than in women. 

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Causes of Carbuncle 

• Carbuncle skin infection is caused by the
  bacteria staphylococcus, streptococcus pyogenes,
  and methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus.
  These bacteria enter the skin by piercing through
  hair follicles. Carbuncle is highly contagious
  therefore, it can spread easily to other parts of
  the body and can affect other people. A lump
  formed due to carbuncle is filled with fluid,
  pus, and dead tissue. People with dermatitis, diab
  etes, and weak immune system are at greater risk
  of developing staph infections as their body
  cannot defend bacteria for longer periods.
  Sometimes poor hygiene and a cut from clothing or
  shaving can also cause carbuncle.

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Symptoms

• A general symptom of Carbuncle is formation
  of red boil under your skin. A carbuncle can
  range from a size of a pea to the size of half
  grown onion. Other symptoms of carbuncle may
  include 
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Irritation
• Swelling
• Itching
• Pain around the affected area
• Spreading of lump to other skin areas

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Diagnosis of Carbuncle

• A dermatologist usually diagnoses a carbuncle by
  looking at it. Tell him about the symptoms you
  have been experiencing. He may also take a pus
  sample from the carbuncle. This sample is
  observed in the lab to determine causative agent.
  If you have diabetes or other health issues, a
  dermatologist may order urine test or blood
  test to check your overall health. A blood test
  will help in detecting the infection that might
  be causing carbuncle.

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Treatments

• Most of the carbuncles are easily treatable at
  home. However, if the boil is near the eyes,
  nose, or spine, it is recommended to see a
  dermatologist. There are very rare chances that
  carbuncle could lead to infections that are
  serious in nature. Home cures for Carbuncles
• Wash the carbuncle with antibacterial soap
• Avoid frequent touching of carbuncle
• Wash your hands after touching a boil
• Place a warm moist cloth on the carbuncle for a
  few minutes
• Apply sterile bandage to avoid further growth of
  infection

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Treatments
Continue

• Medicinal treatment for Carbuncles
• Antibiotics that will help in faster draining of
  pus
• Pain killers, to reduce pain
• Doctor prescribed ointment
• Draining the carbuncle with a needle by a
  dermatologist

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Preventing Carbuncles 

• Regularly wash clothes, sheets and towel
• Always wash hands before eating anything
• Avoid sharing towel, razor, or trimmer
• Use antibacterial soap to prevent bacterial
  inhabitancy

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