Appointments for “furuncle (boil)” treatment are available only at the Dermatology Outpatient Department of IC Clinic Shinjuku.
“What is a furuncle? What are the symptoms and causes?”
“What should I do if I develop a furuncle?”
If you are troubled by a skin lump on your face, you may have these questions.
A furuncle is a type of bacterial skin infection, also commonly known as a “boil.” It may be accompanied by redness and pain, and early treatment is important as leaving it untreated may allow the inflammation to spread.
This article explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment of furuncles.
The latter half of the article also covers prevention methods and the differences from other skin conditions, so please read to the end.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is a furuncle?
- 2 Why do furuncles recur? Causes explained
- 3 What happens when you develop a furuncle? Symptoms explained
- 4 How are furuncles examined and diagnosed?
- 5 Can you drain a furuncle? Treatment methods explained
- 6 How can furuncles be prevented? Prevention methods explained
- 7 Frequently asked questions about furuncles
- 7.1 What is the difference between a furuncle and an epidermoid cyst?
- 7.2 What is the difference between a furuncle and acne?
- 8 For furuncle treatment in Tokyo, please consult IC Clinic
What is a furuncle?
A furuncle is a skin lump accompanied by pain and redness. It is a type of bacterial infection characterized by a firm lump with a pus-filled core at its center.
A furuncle develops when folliculitis progresses, and is commonly known as a “boil.” It can occur at any age, though furuncles tend to be more common in men than in women.
Related article: Why does folliculitis occur? A thorough explanation of causes, treatment, and prevention
As a furuncle progresses further, the affected area softens over several days to weeks, eventually rupturing and discharging pus. After the pus is discharged, the pain and swelling typically subside rapidly and the condition resolves.
Why do furuncles recur? Causes explained
The cause of furuncles is infection by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that normally lives on the skin. When resident skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus infect a small wound or hair follicle, folliculitis develops, and when folliculitis worsens, it can progress to a furuncle.
In particular, changes in living environment that disrupt the balance of resident skin bacteria or reduce immune function can make a person more susceptible to furuncles.
Furuncles are a skin condition that may recur repeatedly unless the underlying cause is addressed. For this reason, if the condition has become chronic, it is important to review one’s lifestyle and environment in addition to receiving treatment.
What happens when you develop a furuncle? Symptoms explained
A furuncle develops when folliculitis progresses. If a furuncle progresses further, it can lead to a skin condition called a “carbuncle.”
The differences in symptoms among folliculitis, furuncle, and carbuncle are as follows.
| Skin Condition | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Folliculitis | ・Mild pain ・Redness ・Small amount of pus |
| Furuncle | ・Severe pain ・Redness ・Swelling ・Formation of a firm pus plug ・Fever ・Fatigue |
| Carbuncle | ・Develops across multiple hair follicles ・Severe pain ・Redness ・Swelling ・Formation of a firm pus plug ・Fever ・Fatigue |
If left untreated, a furuncle may spread to multiple hair follicles and symptoms may gradually worsen, so please seek medical attention from a doctor as soon as possible.
Related article: What is a carbuncle? Its relationship to furuncles and folliculitis — symptoms, causes, and treatment explained in plain language
How are furuncles examined and diagnosed?
Furuncles are diagnosed by culturing bacteria from the pus discharged from the affected area.
When a furuncle is present, bacterial culture of the pus typically detects Staphylococcus aureus.
In addition, if a furuncle has progressed to a carbuncle, elevated white blood cell counts and elevated CRP levels may be observed. CRP (C-reactive protein) is a protein that increases in the blood when inflammation or tissue damage occurs.
Can you drain a furuncle? Treatment methods explained
Treatment options for furuncles are as follows.
| Treatment Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Oral medication | ・Oral antibiotics are prescribed |
| Topical medication | ・Antibiotic ointment is applied to the affected area ・Often used in combination with oral medication |
| Incision and drainage | ・If pus has accumulated, the area is incised to drain the pus ・The wound is cleaned daily until the inflammation subsides |
Symptoms of a furuncle may be relieved by draining the pus. For this reason, treatment may involve incision and drainage.
However, attempting to drain the pus yourself risks introducing bacteria through the wound and worsening the condition, so please do not try to drain the pus on your own — seek medical attention instead.
How can furuncles be prevented? Prevention methods explained
Preventing furuncles involves maintaining the skin’s barrier function and supporting immune health.
Specific measures to support immune health include the following.
- Maintain a regular daily routine
- Get adequate sleep
- Take time to relax regularly and avoid accumulating stress
- Seek treatment for any existing skin inflammation
When the skin’s barrier function and immune health are maintained, the likelihood of developing an infection is reduced even if bacteria increase on the skin. For this reason, it is important to be mindful of your daily habits and support your immune health.
It is also important to consult a doctor at the first sign of any skin discomfort to help prevent the condition from becoming more serious.
Frequently asked questions about furuncles
Here are answers to common questions about furuncles.
What is the difference between a furuncle and an Epidermoid Cyst (Atheroma)?
A condition with symptoms similar to a furuncle is an Epidermoid Cyst (Atheroma).
Although their symptoms may look alike, the causes are different. The causes of each are as follows.
| Skin Condition | Cause |
|---|---|
| Furuncle | Bacterial infection of a small wound or hair follicle |
| Epidermoid Cyst (Atheroma) | Accumulation of dead skin cells and sebum in a small sac beneath the skin |
In some cases, a furuncle may also develop when the accumulated contents of an epidermoid cyst become bacterially infected.
Related article: What is an Epidermoid Cyst (Atheroma)? How to receive treatment with peace of mind
What is the difference between a furuncle and acne?
The differences between a furuncle and acne are as follows.
| Skin Condition | Cause | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Furuncle | Bacterial infection of a small wound or hair follicle | ・Redness ・Pain ・Pus discharge |
| Acne | Clogged pores caused by excess sebum | ・Small skin bumps ・Pus discharge (in severe cases) |
Both furuncles and acne are thought to be influenced by lifestyle habits. Maintaining a regular daily routine may help in the prevention of both conditions.
Related article: What causes acne? Types, symptoms, proper care, and treatment methods explained
For furuncle treatment in Tokyo, please consult IC Clinic
A furuncle is an infection that can develop in anyone when bacteria infect a small wound or clogged hair follicle.
Leaving it untreated may allow the inflammation to spread, so please seek medical attention from a doctor as soon as possible.
IC Clinic aims to be a clinic where patients of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable seeking consultation.
Whatever your symptoms, we will work with you to propose a suitable treatment approach. If you have any concerns about redness or pain on your skin, please do not hesitate to consult IC Clinic.
Appointments for “furuncle (boil)” treatment are available only at the Dermatology Outpatient Department of IC Clinic Shinjuku.
