Furuncle: what it is and how to avoid it

Has a boil ever bothered you? This problem is more common than you might think. Similar to a pimple, a boil is an inflammation of the skin caused by bacteria and can cause a lot of discomfort.

Lesions can appear in different parts of the body and, painful, affect the disposition and even the mood of the patient. In addition, they can leave marks and scars on the skin.

Find out below the causes, treatments and most importantly: learn how to avoid it.

What causes a boil?

According to dermatologist Helena Zantut, a boil is an infection caused by a bacterium of the skin itself, which affects the hair follicle (where the hair grows), the sebaceous gland and the subcutaneous tissue that is close to it.

The infection is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, but it can also be caused by other bacteria or fungi found on the surface of the skin.

How does it manifest?

The main feature of the boil is the formation of an abscess, that is, a very painful, swollen and reddish nodule with a yellowish area in the central part, which indicates the presence of pus. The size may vary depending on the infected area.

Lesions are more common in areas of the body where there is hair, and also those most exposed to moisture, friction, or fatty substances, which facilitate the obstruction of hair follicles. Face, neck, armpits, thighs and buttocks are the most common areas.

In general, the diagnosis is simple and can be made by a clinical dermatological examination. Only in some cases may it be necessary to resort to laboratory tests.

Treatment

When treating the problem, the first important recommendation is: you should never squeeze a boil. This can cause the infection-causing bacteria to spread further, causing new inflammation.

In most cases, the lesion can heal on its own as it ruptures spontaneously and there is no need for drainage by a doctor. A moist, warm compress can help speed up the process of spontaneous drainage, and speed up the drying of the boil. In addition, it is important to keep the affected area always clean, and to wash your hands well after touching it.

If the boil lasts for many days or is accompanied by a fever, it is essential to consult a dermatologist, as some cases require treatment with oral and topical antibiotic drugs (creams and ointments). Persistence of symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread or that there is a complication.

According to Dr. Zantut, some people are more likely to suffer from the appearance of boils. If the problem is recurrent, it is also important to consult a professional to find out what is favoring the appearance of lesions and the best form of treatment.

How to avoid

Check out tips from Dr. Helena Zantut to prevent the appearance of boils:

• Always keep your hands clean (after going to the bathroom, picking up dirty things, coming home from the street, etc). Good hygiene habits are essential to prevent the outbreak of boils.
• Nails should also be trimmed and clean at all times.
• Try to keep areas of body folds, such as your armpits and groin, dry.
• Avoid clothes that are too tight and made of synthetic fabric. They make it difficult for sweat to evaporate, rub against the skin and favor the occurrence of injuries.
• Change your personal clothes, bedding and bath regularly. They can be vehicles for transmitting the infection.
• Do not scratch or squeeze the boil site. Thus, there is no risk of spreading the infection to other areas of the body.