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The furuncle corresponds to a yellowish lump that forms due to infection at the root of the hair and, therefore, it is more common to appear on the neck, armpits, scalp, chest, buttocks, face and belly.
It usually disappears after a few days just by applying warm water compresses to the area to help remove pus. However, if the boil does not heal in two weeks, it is recommended to consult the dermatologist to prescribe ointments or even remove the pus surgically, if necessary.
However, to know if it is really a boil and not just a pimple, besides the yellowish lump with redness around it, it is important to realize, if:
- 1. Increases in size over time No Yes
- 2. In addition to the pain, there is heat and itching in the area No Yes
- 3. No improvement in 1 week No Yes
- 4. It is accompanied by low fever (37.5º C to 38ºC) No Yes
- 5. There is discomfort No Yes
Why it happens
The boil happens due to infection and inflammation of the hair root which is mainly caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which can be found naturally in mucous membranes, especially in the nose or mouth, as well as being identified in the skin.
However, despite being naturally present in the body without causing symptoms, when there are changes in immunity, wounds or inadequate hygiene, it is possible to favor the growth of this bacterium, which may result in inflammation of the hair root and the appearance of the boil and its symptoms.
Is furuncle contagious?
Although most cases of boils are due to changes related to the person himself, the bacteria related to the boils can be transmitted from one person to another through contact with pus. Thus, it is important that people who live with another person who has the boil to take measures to help prevent infection, such as applying an antibiotic cream that should be prescribed by the dermatologist.
In addition, the person with a boil should adopt some hygiene precautions, such as washing their hands after handling the boil or not sharing handkerchiefs, sheets, clothing or towels, for example.
However, the boil can also appear alone, without having to be in contact with someone who has this problem.
Treatment to remove the boil
The treatment for the boil consists of washing the area every day with soap and water or with an antiseptic soap, preferably indicated by a dermatologist, and applying warm compresses to the area, which help to remove the pus, waiting for it to disappear. alone. It is not recommended to try to squeeze or pop the boil, as it can aggravate the infection and spread it to other places on the skin.
However, when there is no improvement, the dermatologist should be consulted to start using antibiotic ointments such as Ictiol, Furacin, Nebacetin or Trok G. In cases where the furuncle appears repeatedly, the doctor may indicate the use of another ointment, known as Mupirocina, which prevents the appearance of this type of infection. Learn more about the treatment for boils.
How home treatment is done
The home treatment for the furuncle aims to relieve the symptoms, being usually done with substances that have antiseptic properties, being, therefore, able to help in the fight against infection. A great home treatment option for furuncle is the lemon compress, as the lemon, in addition to being rich in vitamin C and strengthening the immune system, is antiseptic, helping to fight the bacteria that causes the infection.
In addition, it is important to have a natural diet and avoid consumption of fatty foods. Meet 4 options of home remedies for furuncle.
How to prevent it from reappearing
The prevention of another boil can be done through the adoption of hygiene care, such as:
- Wash your hands after handling the boil;
- Do not share clothes, scarves, sheets or towels;
- Wash clothes, towels, sheets and all materials that come in contact with the skin area with the boil with boiling water;
- Wash the boil with soap and water after it pops on its own;
- Change the compresses and put them in a proper garbage.
In addition, people living with the patient should put an antibiotic cream indicated by the dermatologist on their nose several times a day, as the bacteria that causes the boil is transmitted through the air and can stick to the nostrils. Here's how to prevent the appearance of the boil.