What is the medical term for boils?

Medical Terminology for Boils

The medical term for boils is "furuncles." 1, 2

Definition and Characteristics

Furuncles (boils) are defined as infections of the hair follicle, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus, in which suppuration extends through the dermis into the subcutaneous tissue, where a small abscess forms 1. They differ from folliculitis, which is a more superficial inflammation limited to the epidermis 1.

Key characteristics of furuncles include:

• Inflammatory nodules with overlying pustules through which hair emerges 1
• Painful, tender, and fluctuant red nodules 1
• Most commonly occur on hair-bearing parts of the body 3

Related Terminology

• Carbuncle: When infection involves several adjacent follicles, producing a coalescent inflammatory mass with pus draining from multiple follicular orifices 1. Carbuncles typically develop on the back of the neck and are especially common in diabetic patients 1, 4.

• Folliculitis: Inflammation of the hair follicle that is more superficial than furuncles, with pus limited to the epidermis 1.

• Ecthyma: A deeply ulcerated form of impetigo 1.

Management Approach

For proper management of furuncles:

1. Small furuncles: Apply moist heat to promote spontaneous drainage 2.

2. Larger furuncles: Incision and drainage is mandatory 1, 2.

   • Simply cover the surgical site with a dry dressing after drainage 1, 2
   • Avoid packing with gauze as it may cause more pain without improving healing 2
   • Avoid needle aspiration due to low success rates (successful in only 25% of cases overall and <10% with MRSA infections) 1, 2

3. Systemic antibiotics: Usually unnecessary for properly drained furuncles unless there are complicating factors 1, 2:

   • Extensive surrounding cellulitis
   • Fever or systemic symptoms (SIRS)
   • Multiple lesions
   • Immunocompromised patient
   • Poorly controlled diabetes
   • Facial or dangerous area involvement

Prevention of Recurrent Furuncles

For patients with recurrent furuncles:

1. Improve personal hygiene:

   • Use antibacterial soaps such as chlorhexidine
   • Thoroughly launder clothing, towels, and bedding
   • Use separate towels and washcloths 2

2. Decolonization regimens for S. aureus carriers:

   • 5-day regimen twice daily of intranasal mupirocin
   • Daily chlorhexidine washes
   • Daily decontamination of personal items 1, 2

3. For persistent recurrent cases: Consider clindamycin 150 mg daily for 3 months 2

Special Considerations

• Diabetic patients are more susceptible to skin infections due to impaired immune function, poor circulation, and hyperglycemia 2, 4

• Facial furuncles require special attention due to risk of serious complications, including cavernous sinus thrombosis 2

• Evaluation for neutrophil disorders is recommended if recurrent abscesses began in early childhood 1, 2