Definition for furuncle - boil

Boil or furuncle is a skin disease caused by the inflammation of hair follicles, thus resulting in the localized accumulation of pus and dead tissues. Individual boils can cluster together and form an interconnected network of boils called carbuncles. In severe cases, boils may develop to form abscesses.

Source: Wikipedia Jun 14, 2007

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category

dermatology , infectious diseases

frequency

very common (U.S.)

some common symptoms

blister(s) or bump(s) on head, lump or swelling on face, lump or swelling on head, pus draining from skin

some related diagnoses

folliculitis, abscess, cellulitis, hematoma (more)

likelyhood by age

likelyhood by duration of symptoms

Do I have 'furuncle'?

Diagnosing a patient is a complex problem and should always be done by the patients health care provider. The diagnostic process starts with patient's illness history which is composed of their family history and his/her symptoms and the duration. In addition, the results of diagnostic tests are used to narrow list of potential causes. After an initial diagnosis is given, the patients health care provider will determine the appropriate form of treatment or management.

If you are concerned whether or not you have 'furuncle', please use the following diagnosis specific symptom search to help you understand the possibilities. Please remember to consult your health care provider.

diagnosis symptom specific search for furuncle
blister(s) or bump(s) on head	Yes	No
lump or swelling on face	Yes	No
lump or swelling on head	Yes	No
pus draining from skin	Yes	No

In addition the following diagnostic tests might be need to help verify the diagnosis:

How do I treat or manage 'furuncle'?

Managing or treating a diseases should always be determined by a patients health care provider. Below is a list of associated therapeutic procedures or medications for furuncle:

Therapeutic Procedures for furuncle
Heat application	web search for: furuncle and Heat application
Medications for furuncle
azithromycin	web search for: furuncle and azithromycin
clindamycin	web search for: furuncle and clindamycin
erythromucin	web search for: furuncle and erythromucin
keflex	web search for: furuncle and keflex