What are boils and carbuncles? 

 A boil (furuncle): infection of a hair follicle 

 A carbuncle: infection of a group of hair follicles 

 Commonest cause: a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus (lives in the nose) 👃

What are the symptoms of boils and carbuncles? 

 Skin lump: 

 In hairy areas of skin prone to sweating/ friction 😰

 Fluid-filled (pus), red and painful 

 Mild fever 🌡

How do you diagnose boils and carbuncles? 

 Having classical symptoms 

 Skin examination 

 Swab/sample taken 

How do you treat boils and carbuncles? 

 Smaller boils: no treatment needed ❌ 

 Larger boils:  

 Drainage with a syringe 💉

 Antibiotics 💊

 Nasal antiseptic cream (if Staphyloccocus aureus) 

Why should I worry about boils and carbuncles?  

 Scarring of the skin  

 Skin infection (cellulitis)