Carbunculosis

Alternative names:

carbuncles; infection - skin - staph; skin infection - staphylococcal; staph skin infection

Treatment:

Carbuncles usually must drain before they will heal. This most often occurs in less than 2 weeks. Carbuncles that persist longer than 2 weeks, recur, are located on the spine or the middle of the face, or that are accompanied by fever or other symptoms require treatment by a health care provider because of the risk of complications from the spread of infection.

Antibacterial soaps, topical (applied to a localized area of the skin) antibiotics, and systemic antibiotics may help to control infection. Warm moist compresses encourage carbuncles to drain, which speeds healing. Gently soak the area with a warm, moist cloth several times each day. Never squeeze a boil or attempt to lance it at home because this can spread the infection and make it worse.

Deep or large lesions may need to be drained surgically by the health care provider.

Meticulous hygiene is vital to prevent the spread of infection. Draining lesions should be cleaned frequently. The hands should be washed thoroughly after touching a boil. Do not re-use or share washcloths or towels. Clothing, washcloths, towels, and sheets or other items that contact infected areas should be washed in very hot (preferably boiling) water. Dressings should be changed frequently and discarded in a manner that contains the drainage, such as by placing them in a bag that can be closed tightly before discarding.

Expectations (prognosis):

Carbunculosis may heal spontaneously and usually responds well to treatment. It often recurs for months or years following an initial infection.

Complications:

• spread of infection to other skin surfaces
• abscess formation
• sepsis (general internal infection)
• abscess of kidneys or other internal organs
• osteomyelitis
• endocarditis
• brain infection
• brain abscess
• spinal cord infection
• spinal cord abscess
• permanent scarring of the skin

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if carbuncles develop and do not heal with home treatment within 2 weeks.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if carbunculosis recurs or is located on the face or spine.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if carbuncles are accompanied by fever, red streaks extending from the carbuncle, large fluid collections around the carbuncle, worsening pain, or other symptoms.