18.1.3
Furunculosis and Carbuncles
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines, 6th Edition, 2023. Chapter 18, Skin Conditions.
Clinical Description
Furuncle (boil): acute inflammatory of hair follicles and surrounding tissues. A collection of furuncles is called carbuncle.
Signs and Symptoms
- Hard, tender, red nodule, or plaque around a hair follicle
- The area may be painful and fluctuant
- Systemic symptoms if present may include fever, general malaise
Investigations
- Guide as under impetigo
Treatment
- As under impetigo
- If affected area or abscess is suspected, consider incision and drainage (I & D)
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