Carbuncle is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by the formation of ulcers. This condition requires mandatory medical intervention, starting with an accurate diagnosis and ending with a surgical autopsy.
What is a carbuncle
Carbuncle is an acute purulent inflammation of several adjacent hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands. The process is accompanied by the formation of pustules on the skin, which eventually merge into one large inflammatory formation. Carbuncles can appear on any part of the body, but most often they occur on the neck, back, buttocks and thighs.
A carbuncle is characterized by more severe symptoms than a boil. These inflammatory diseases are very similar, but a carbuncle is formed when several follicles become inflamed. A boil is formed from a single hair follicle. In fact, the carbuncle consists of several fused boils, and is characterized by a more extensive lesion area.
The reason for the formation of carbuncles is the penetration of pathogenic bacteria, mainly staphylococci, into the body. This can happen when the integrity of the skin is violated, through wounds, scratches, insect bites. People with weakened immune systems, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic disorders have an increased risk of developing the pathology. Other risk factors include lack of hygiene, excessive sweating, and wearing tight clothing that creates friction and pressure on the skin.
Stages of development
The carbuncle develops in several stages:
Infiltration stage: redness and induration appear on the skin, which increases in size over time.
- Purulent-necrotic stage: ulcers form in the area of compaction, which merge into one large inflammatory formation. When pressed on it, pus is released.
- The stage of necrotic rod rejection: the rejection of dead tissues, after which a deep ulcer forms.
- Healing: the last stage of carbuncle development, when the ulcer heals, leaving behind a scar.
On average, carbuncle maturation takes 7-10 days. The further development of the disease depends on many factors: localization, the initial state of the patient's health.
Treatment methods
Depending on the stage of the disease and the general condition of the patient, carbuncle treatment can be either conservative or surgical.
Conservative tactics include taking antibiotics, antiseptic treatment of the skin in the area of inflammation, and the use of local antibacterial agents
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An autopsy operation is performed in cases where conservative therapy does not lead to an improvement in the patient's condition or with the development of complications.
Opening of the carbuncle
An autopsy is usually performed in a one-day hospital setting. The surgeon makes an incision through which the pus and necrotic tissues are removed. Then the wound is washed with antiseptics and drainage is introduced to drain the pus.
Then a sterile dressing is applied to the wound. Depending on the size and depth of the wound, it may take several days or even weeks for complete healing. The patient is prescribed regular dressings, special means for local treatment, as well as systemic antibiotics.
Possible complications
If you do not consult a doctor, various complications may develop. The most dangerous of them are:
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Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory disease that results from the spread of infection throughout the body through the bloodstream. Sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death.
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Phlegmon is a deep purulent inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue that can spread to surrounding tissues and organs
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Purulent meningitis – when the carbuncle is located on the face or neck, infection may spread to the membranes of the brain.
These complications can be life-threatening, so if purulent formations appear on the skin, they must be shown to a doctor.
Advantages of treatment at the EMC clinic
All types of surgical treatment are performed at the EMC surgical clinic, including abscesses, phlegmon, boils, carbuncles and infected wounds. Here are the advantages of treatment in our clinic:
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We provide assistance around the clock, perform operations on a planned and emergency basis.;
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We have our own diagnostic laboratory to ensure that all patient tests are ready as soon as possible.;
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We use modern highly effective antibacterial drugs, special bandages of various types with a therapeutic coating, and high-tech surgical equipment that significantly shorten the healing time of wounds.
If you suspect a carbuncle or other purulent formations on the skin, make an appointment with a doctor. At the EMC clinic, we offer an individual approach to each patient and effective treatment methods – without pain and discomfort.
List of sources and references
- Lipatov K. V., Farkhat F. A., Fomin N. N., Lapin R. V., Bychkov S. V. Features of surgical tactics in the treatment of patients with carbuncles // Almanac of Clinical Medicine. 2006. №11.
- Lipatov K. V., Komarova E. A., Brittle V. I., Cherkasov Yu. E., Mirskaya M. A., Dehissi E. I. Characteristics of pathogens in patients with carbuncles and features of antibacterial chemotherapy // Antibiotics and chemotherapy. 2019. №5-6.
- Dibrell JH Jr. Treatment of Carbuncle. South Med Rec. 1877 May 20;7(5):120-121. PMID: 36023596; PMCID: PMC9093471.
- Troxell T, Hall CA. Carbuncle. 2023 Jul 3. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32119346.
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