From the Guidelines
Doxycycline is a recommended antibiotic for treating furuncles, but its use should be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or markedly impaired host defenses. According to the 2014 practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, incision and drainage is the recommended treatment for large furuncles, and the decision to administer antibiotics directed against S. aureus as an adjunct to incision and drainage should be made based on the presence or absence of SIRS. Doxycycline, with its good tissue penetration and activity against S. aureus, including MRSA, can be an effective option for patients who require antibiotic therapy, as suggested by the 2011 clinical practice guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in adults and children 1.
Some key points to consider when using doxycycline for furuncles include:
- The typical adult regimen is 100mg taken twice daily for 7-10 days.
- Patients should be advised to take the medication with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it to prevent esophageal irritation.
- Doxycycline can cause photosensitivity reactions, so patients should avoid direct sunlight.
- The medication is not recommended for pregnant women or children under 8 years old due to potential effects on bone development and tooth discoloration.
- Warm compresses should be applied to the area several times daily to help bring the boil to a head, and larger boils may require incision and drainage by a healthcare provider.
- If the infection is recurrent or severe, or if the patient has fever or other systemic symptoms, medical attention should be sought promptly.
From the Research
Treatment of Furuncles
- Furuncles are deep infections of the hair follicle, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and can be recurrent and spread among family members 2.
- Treatment of furuncles typically involves incision and drainage of solitary lesions, while patients with multiple lesions or signs of systemic disease may require antibiotics 2.
Use of Doxycycline
- Doxycycline is a synthetic tetracycline with anti-inflammatory properties, making it suitable for treating various noninfectious conditions, including hair follicle diseases 3.
- Doxycycline has been used to treat skin and soft tissue infections, including acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) 4.
- The 2014 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) skin and soft tissue guideline recommends tetracyclines, including doxycycline, as oral treatment options for patients with purulent SSTIs, especially when methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is of clinical concern 4.
Effectiveness of Doxycycline for Furuncles
- While doxycycline has been used to treat various skin and soft tissue infections, its effectiveness for furuncles specifically is not directly addressed in the provided studies.
- However, given its efficacy in treating ABSSSIs and its anti-inflammatory properties, doxycycline may be considered as a treatment option for furuncles, particularly in cases where methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is suspected 2, 4.