Furuncle
Alternate Names : Infection - hair follicle, Hair follicle infection, Boils
Symptoms & Signs
A furuncle may begin as a tender, pinkish-red, swollen nodule but ultimately feel like a water-filled balloon. Pain gets worse as it fills with pus and dead tissue. Pain improves as it drains. It may drain on its own. More often the patient or someone else opens the furuncle. The furuncle:
- Is usually pea-sized, but may be as large as a golf ball
- May develop white or yellow centers (pustules)
- May join with another furuncle or spread to other skin areas
- May grow rapidly
- May weep, ooze, crust
Other symptoms may include:
Diagnosis & Tests
Diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin. Skin or mucosal biopsy culture may show staphylococcus or other bacteria.
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