The commonest skin abscess is a Furuncle (boil) or an infected epidermal (“sebaceous”) cyst. It is a raised, spherical or conical, painful mass, centered by a hair root (follicle). Often the central hair can be seen.
It is cause by Staphylococcus Aureus (“Staph Infection”), which starts with a small bump that gradually evolves into a painful, hot mass.
A Carbuncle is a collection of 2 or more adjoining furuncles. Furuncles and carbuncles are more common in diabetics and patients whose immune systems are suppressed by steroids and other immune suppressants, anticancer drugs, AIDS, etc.
The best treatments for Furuncles and Carbuncles is to soak them with hot water while they are firm and to incise and drain them when they get soft in the center, unless they drain on their own.
Infected Epidermal Cysts are treated the same way.
Systemic antibiotics are used only if the abscess is larger than 5 cm in diameter.
For recurring abscesses, a “Carrier of Stephylococcus” status must be suspected. In this case, daily showers with Liquid Dial Soap as well as application of Mupirocin Ointment into the Nares (nostrils) and navel are strongly indicated.
No sharing of towels with other members of the family is a must.
For infected epidermal cysts, an incision and drainage, done in a Dermatologist’s office, is often adequate treatment.
For treatment of