Furuncle (Boil)

A furuncle, commonly called a boil, is a painful, pus-filled bump under the skin caused by a bacterial infection of a hair follicle and surrounding tissue.

🦠 Cause:

The most common cause is Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (including MRSA in some cases), which enter the skin through:

A cut or scratch
Ingrown hair
Blocked sweat glands or follicles
Poor hygiene or friction (tight clothes, shaving)

🔍 Symptoms:

Symptom	Description
Red bump	Swollen, painful lump that grows
Warm to touch	Inflamed skin, feels hot
Pus accumulation	Yellow-white center forms (abscess)
Tenderness	Pain increases as boil enlarges
Fever (sometimes)	In severe or multiple infections

📍 Common Sites:

Neck
Face
Armpits
Buttocks
Thighs
Shoulders
Groin

🔄 Progression:

Begins as a red, firm bump
Becomes larger and softer with time
Pus collects and forms a head
Ruptures and drains (may heal with scar)

🔥 Complications (if untreated):

Spread of infection to other skin areas (cellulitis)
Formation of carbuncle (cluster of furuncles)
Infection entering bloodstream (sepsis)
Scarring

🧪 Diagnosis:

Usually based on physical examination.
If recurrent or severe, a pus culture may be done to identify the bacteria and test for antibiotic resistance.

💊 Treatment:

Method	Description
Warm compresses	Speeds up drainage and healing
Keep clean	Gently wash with antiseptic soap
Incision & drainage	By doctor for large or painful boils
Antibiotics	If infection is deep or spreading
Pain relievers	Ibuprofen or acetaminophen

❌ Do not squeeze or pop a boil — it may spread the infection.

🛡️ Prevention:

Maintain good personal hygiene
Avoid sharing towels or razors
Wear loose, breathable clothing
Clean and cover cuts and scrapes
Manage sweating and avoid tight clothing
Boost immunity with proper nutrition & sleep

📚 Origin of the Term:

"Furuncle" comes from the Latin word "furunculus", meaning a petty thief, referring to how the boil “steals” comfort.
"Boil" in English comes from the swelling or "boiling up" of pus under the skin.