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Furuncle, abscess, or
boil
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- An Abscess is an
infection of the skin or deeper tissues, usually containing
pus. The infection often starts in a hair
follicle.
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- Round or swollen area of skin that
is often red
- Pain and tenderness over the site
- Site of the Abscess may feel hard
or fluid-filled
- Pus may come from the site,
especially as time
passes
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- A bacterium called
Staphylococcus aureus infects an area under the
skin or in a hair follicle.
- The infection can occur when a cut,
wound, friction, pressure, or moisture forces the bacteria
deeper into the skin or hair follicle.
- Petroleum products such as Vaseline
may plug up a hair follicle and cause an
infection.
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- Usually apparent to the physician
on exam
- Cultures of pus may be sent to make
sure antibiotic choice is correct
- Nasal cultures may be sent for patients who get repeated infections to make sure they are not "carriers" for staphylococcal infections. People who are carriers often need longer courses of antibiotics and specific antibiotics to prevent recurring Abscess
formation.
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- Antibiotics commonly used are
Cephalexin, Dicloxacillin, and Cefazolin.
- Warm soaks and moist compresses, as
directed by the attending physician
- Incision and drainage of the Abscess
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