Boil (Furuncle)
- Definition: A localized, painful, suppurative infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
- Types:
- Acute boil
- Chronic boil
- Carbuncle (a boil that involves the deeper tissues)
- Causes: Staphylococcus aureus, poor hygiene, compromised skin barrier.
- Clinical Features:
- Painful, red, swollen, and warm to the touch
- Pus-filled center
- May be accompanied by fever and malaise
- Investigations: None usually required
- Complications: Abscess formation, cellulitis, sepsis
- Management:
- Warm compresses to bring the boil to a head
- Incision and drainage for larger boils or those that do not rupture spontaneously
- Antibiotics for severe cases or those that do not respond to warm compresses
- Treatment:
- Rest, hydration, and pain management
- Topical or oral antibiotics
Carbuncle
- Definition: A boil that involves the deeper tissues.
- Causes: Staphylococcus aureus, poor hygiene, compromised skin barrier.
- Clinical Features:
- Painful, red, swollen, and warm to the touch
- Pus-filled center
- May be accompanied by fever and malaise
- Investigations: None usually required
- Complications: Abscess formation, cellulitis, sepsis
- Management:
- Warm compresses to bring the carbuncle to a head
- Incision and drainage for larger carbuncles or those that do not rupture spontaneously
- Antibiotics for severe cases or those that do not respond to warm compresses
- Treatment:
- Rest, hydration, and pain management
- Topical or oral antibiotics
Cellulitis
- Definition: A bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
- Causes: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, poor hygiene, compromised skin barrier.
- Clinical Features:
- Red, swollen, and warm to the touch
- Pus-filled blisters or abscesses
- May be accompanied by fever and malaise
- Investigations: None usually required
- Complications: Abscess formation, sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis
- Management:
- Antibiotics for 7-10 days
- Rest, hydration, and pain management
- Treatment:
- Topical or oral antibiotics
- Wound care and dressing
Erysipelas
- Definition: A superficial infection of the skin and superficial lymphatics.
- Causes: Streptococcus pyogenes, poor hygiene, compromised skin barrier.
- Clinical Features:
- Bright red, swollen, and warm to the touch
- May be accompanied by fever and malaise
- Investigations: None usually required
- Complications: Abscess formation, sepsis
- Management:
- Antibiotics for 7-10 days
- Rest, hydration, and pain management
- Treatment:
- Topical or oral antibiotics
- Wound care and dressing
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
- Definition: A chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by recurring abscesses and nodules.
- Causes: Unknown, but thought to be related to genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, and bacterial colonization.
- Clinical Features:
- Recurring abscesses and nodules
- Painful, swollen, and warm to the touch
- Investigations: None usually required
- Complications: Abscess formation, cellulitis, sepsis
- Management:
- Antibiotics for 7-10 days
- Rest, hydration, and pain management
- Treatment:
- Topical or oral antibiotics
- Wound care and dressing
Homoeopathic Therapeutic Approach
- Boil: Calendula, Echinacea, Graphites, Pulsatilla
- Carbuncle: Calendula, Echinacea, Graphites, Pulsatilla
- Cellulitis: Calendula, Echinacea, Graphites, Pulsatilla
- Erysipelas: Calendula, Echinacea, Graphites, Pulsatilla
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Calendula, Echinacea, Graphites, Pulsatilla