Page 72 - LECTURE NOTES

Cause

Staphylococcus aurous

Clinical presentation
The lesion develops into a hard, red, tender nodule which often brusts, discharging pus

and frequently a solid core of necrotic tissue.
*It is rarely accompanied by systemic symptoms, when the lesions are multiple

Clinical finding
Gram stains and cultures of the drainage may be used to definitively establish the

causative organism but mostly diagnosed is clinical

Treatment

For simple furuncle, the primary treatment is usually the application of warm, moist

packs, to help the body localize the infection and mobilize its normal phagocytic
response, thereby promoting drainage of the infectious site. Topical antibiotic cream

and systemic antibiotic for multiple lesions

4.3.3 Carbuncle
Definition

A carbuncle is a deeper infection involving several follicles, often forming a collection of

pus or abscess. It is painful usually associated with fever. The common site includes
neck, thighs, and back.

Cause

Like furuncles the causative organism is generally a staphylococcus
aureus/streptococcus

Clinical presentation
The involved area of the skin is usually red, indurate, and painful with multiple pustules

and several draining points with purulent drainage. The lesion often develops a yellow
gray crust at the center, which is permanent and readily visible scar.

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