Furuncle and abscess: what is it and how to treat it?

The relevance of the problem of purulent inflammatory diseases is determined by the increase in the number of patients, the severity of the clinical course, the difficulties in their treatment and the increase in mortality.

In the newborn period, the fact of the child’s first encounter with microorganisms is of particular importance. The skin of a newborn is distinguished by the presence of immature protective organs (glands, fewer layers of the epidermis), and therefore, like the mucous membranes, is more vulnerable to infection.

The structure of a child’s immunity is close to that of an adult, differing only in the quantitative ratio of immunoglobulins and the degree of maturity of proteins and cells.

The ability to form antibodies also depends on the age of the child. In functional terms, the child’s immune system is characterized by the so-called “immune paralysis.”

The principles of treatment of acute purulent surgical infection in children include three main, equally important directions: increasing the resistance of the macroorganism, suppressing microorganisms, and local treatment of the process.

The First Children's Medical Center offers its patients all types of surgical treatment that relate to minor outpatient surgery. The Center employs highly qualified pediatric surgeons who are ready to perform the necessary surgery on your child if there are medical indications.

What is a boil?

A boil develops when a hair follicle becomes inflamed.
Photo: Mahdouch at French Wikipedia (Creative Commons Attribution 1.0 Generic license) Research shows that skin diseases are one of the leading reasons for visits to primary health care. A striking example of a disease in this group is the occurrence of boils, which are purulent-necrotic inflammations of hair follicles and adjacent tissues, including the sebaceous glands. They most often occur in adolescence and early adulthood1.

Localization of boils

In most cases, boils occur in areas exposed to pollution and/or mechanical stress - on the hands, forearms, back of the neck, buttocks, lower back, thighs. In rare cases, ulcers appear in unexpected places - in the ear canal, on the outer and inner surfaces of the nose, labia, etc. However, boils never form on areas of the skin that are devoid of hair - the palms and palmar surfaces of the fingers, soles.

What is the difference between a boil and a carbuncle?

A carbuncle is a purulent-necrotic inflammation of several hair follicles at once, merging into one purulent focus (Fig. 1). Often it is a complication of a boil. Carbuncle occurs much less frequently than furuncle, and the main group of patients consists of middle-aged and elderly people.

Figure 1. How a boil differs from a carbuncle. Source: IQWiG/NCBI

Furuncle and abscess: what is it?

Furuncle is an acute purulent-necrotic inflammation of the hair follicle and adjacent connective tissue. The causative agent of the disease is often Staphylococcus aureus; much less often - white staphylococcus and streptococcus. The disease is more common in young people.

The clinical picture of the disease is quite characteristic: around the mouth of the hair follicle a small cone-shaped nodule appears, rising above the surface of the skin, surrounded by a dense infiltrate, which is accompanied by redness of the skin and spontaneous pain. In the center of the infiltrate, a dark dot is visible - the core of the boil.

For 3-4 days. signs of purulent melting of the central part of the boil appear. Then it is opened and a small amount of pus is released from the thickness of the infiltrate. The rod undergoes necrosis and separates; if this does not happen, it is removed surgically. After the rod is rejected, the pain subsides, and after a few days the wound fills with granulations and epithelializes with the formation of a small retracted scar.

As a rule, the malignant course of a boil is a consequence of an attempt to squeeze it out, the result of a patient’s late presentation to a medical institution or improper treatment.

An abscess is a limited collection of pus surrounded by a membrane (pyogenic capsule).

Abscesses can be aseptic and septic. Aseptic abscesses develop after subcutaneous injection of certain irritating chemicals

Infectious agents (bacteria, fungi) can enter the body exogenously through damaged skin epithelium or mucous membranes (entry gates) or endogenously (from the source of infection in the body itself).

As the purulent process progresses, the risk of rupture of the pyogenic capsule increases, as a result of which the infectious process spreads beyond its boundaries.

In the initial stage of the formation of a superficial abscess, a limited painful swelling is detected, hot to the touch. After 3-4 days, softening appears in the center, the skin in the center of the infiltrate becomes thinner and darker, and the boundaries of the abscess become clearer. On days 4-7, the abscess opens and purulent contents come out. At the same time, the pain in the inflamed area decreases.

After the abscess heals, an atrophic (retracted) scar remains in its place.

Causes

A boil develops as a result of infection of the hair follicle by pathogenic bacteria, often in combination with a decrease in local and systemic immunity. In the vast majority of cases, the cause of inflammation is Staphylococcus aureus, less often Staphylococcus pyogenes albus.

One of the important triggering factors in this case is the disruption of the normal composition of the skin microflora, due to which pathogenic staphylococci are able to remain on its surface for a long time. This is primarily due to non-compliance with personal hygiene rules.

Causes of abscesses, phlegmons, boils, carbuncles

The main cause of abscesses, phlegmons, boils and other inflammatory diseases with signs of suppuration is infectious.
The pathogen enters the body through damaged skin - due to scratches, cuts, etc. Another way of spread is through the blood or lymph from another source of inflammation in the body. The most common causative agents of abscesses, cellulitis and other diseases are bacterial infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus. People with weakened immune systems are at risk. Often boils and abscesses form after hypothermia.

Risk factors

Violation of the composition of the skin microflora contributes to the deterioration of the immune system, which can be caused by the following pathologies and factors:

• Infectious diseases: AIDS, chronic tuberculosis.
• Chronic somatic pathologies: hepatitis, bronchitis, pyelonephritis.
• Endocrine diseases: diabetes mellitus, endocrine obesity.
• The presence of malignant tumors in the body and their treatment: radiation or chemotherapy.
• Long-term use of glucocorticosteroids.
• Improper, unbalanced nutrition, leading to hypo- and vitamin deficiency.

Local changes in the skin that contribute to the appearance of boils include:

• Hyperhidrosis – increased sweating.
• Frequent skin trauma, scratches and cuts.
• Dermatological pathologies: eczema, acne, psoriasis.

Stages of boil development

When a hair follicle becomes infected, a pustule is first formed containing neutrophils (white blood cells responsible for the immune response), pathogenic staphylococci and fibrin. Next, the bacteria descend down the follicle, provoking inflammation, which leads to the formation of an infiltrate followed by necrosis (death) of the surrounding tissues. At the same time, tissue melts around the affected area, due to which pus is formed and the boil matures. Purulent exudate accumulates under the epidermis, around the mouth of the follicle. Further, together with the necrotic rod and dead hair, it breaks through and comes out. Over time, a scar forms at the site of the ruptured boil.

Based on pathogenesis and clinical features, it is customary to distinguish 3 successive stages of boil development, which take about 7-10 days. These include:

• Infiltration stage. Accompanied by infiltration (leakage of blood elements and products of the inflammatory process) of the tissues around the hair follicle. Takes 3-4 days.
• Stage of suppuration and necrosis. It begins with the formation of a characteristic purulent-necrotic core. Intoxication syndrome also occurs. At the peak of clinical manifestations, the covering of the purulent core is opened, and purulent masses are released from the resulting hole. After this, the symptoms subside.
• Recovery stage. It begins with the formation of granulation tissue in the form of a crust at the site of opening. 3-4 days after this, a connective tissue scar appears, initially having a red-blue color, but gradually turning pale and acquiring a flesh color. The entire stage takes up to 10 days.

Treatment of abscesses, phlegmons, boils, carbuncles using laser therapy

Laser therapy is possible only after surgical treatment and opening of an abscess or other abscess, provided that the pus drains.

Before the laser therapy procedure, the cavity must be rinsed.

The postoperative wound itself (incision area) is treated, as well as the surrounding tissue up to 5 cm to the sides. The impact is scanning, at a height of 0.5-1 cm above the surface of the lesion.

The course of treatment is 10-15 procedures, 1 procedure per day.

It is recommended to additionally carry out non-invasive effects on the blood in a region as close as possible to the affected area. For all purulent processes, the main method of conservative treatment is antibiotic therapy. Laser exposure significantly increases the transport of drugs to the lesion. Penicillin antibiotics, tetracyclines, etc. are recommended for 7-10 days in combination with nystatin.

Is a boil dangerous? Possible complications

In most cases, with timely treatment, boils do not pose a serious danger. But when trying to independently squeeze out a purulent-necrotic rod, inadequate local therapy, or the addition of a secondary infection, dangerous complications can develop.

Local complications include purulent lesions of the skin and subcutaneous tissue: furunculosis, carbuncles, abscesses and phlegmon. Damage to adjacent blood vessels and lymph nodes in the form of phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, and lymphadenitis is also possible.

The greatest danger is represented by boils located in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle and higher on the face and ear canal, since there is a high risk of spread of purulent masses and pathogenic bacteria into the cranial cavity through blood vessels. This can lead to damage to the meninges (meningitis, arachnoiditis) and directly to the brain tissue (encephalitis, brain abscesses). In rare cases, a boil can cause purulent masses and bacteria to enter the systemic circulation with the development of sepsis.

Important! A burst boil that is not treated properly poses a particular danger to the patient and others. An ruptured boil can cause infection of other follicles with the formation of furunculosis, as well as an entry point for secondary infections. In addition, the released purulent masses can become a source of infection for other people who come into contact with it directly or indirectly (through household items).

Treatment of children with furunculosis and abscesses

For a correct prognosis and timely follow-up therapy, it is necessary to differentiate an abscess from a boil, abscessing lymphadenitis and suppurating atheroma or congenital cyst.

Treatment of patients with furunculosis and abscesses is only surgical.

Superficial abscesses in children of older age groups can be opened under local anesthesia. It must be remembered that infiltration of inflamed tissues with anesthetic causes severe pain. Abscesses located deep in the tissues and abscesses in children of younger age groups should be opened under general anesthesia.

In case of deep abscesses and a tendency to spread edema, a course of general therapy is carried out, the intensity of which is determined by the age of the child and the nature of the process.

Symptoms of a boil

In most cases, boils occur with fairly characteristic symptoms, which vary depending on the stage of development. In general, patients may have the following complaints:

• General weakness, increased body temperature up to 38°C, headache.
• Tingling, itching in the area where the boil forms, which after a few days is replaced by sharp pain.
• Redness and thickening of the skin in the area of ​​inflammation, which protrudes cone-shaped above the skin.
• The formation of a small whitish purulent head in the center of the compaction, which opens after a few days.
• Discharge of yellowish purulent contents from the hole formed after opening the pustule. At the same time, pain is significantly relieved and the general condition of a person improves.
• Manifestations of furunculosis can vary depending on the location and are accompanied by uncharacteristic features. For example, when a purulent focus forms in the area of ​​the upper lip or eyelids, pronounced swelling is observed, and when a boil occurs in the area of ​​the auditory canal, a severe headache spreading to the lower jaw, as well as hearing impairment, come to the fore.

Symptoms of a boil in a child

The main symptoms of a boil in a one-year-old child, preschool and school-age children are the same and depend on the stage of development of the disease.
At the initial stage, an area of ​​redness appears on the skin, which gradually increases, but practically does not cause discomfort. As the pathology progresses, a purulent area appears in the center of the lesion, and the area of ​​inflammation increases in size and becomes sharply painful. Then a necrotic rod is formed inside the cavity, which from the outside looks like a dark dot in the very center of the boil. After a few days, the abscess breaks through, its contents come out, after which the healing process begins. A small boil, especially if it is located on a child's hand, foot or finger, rarely causes general symptoms. With multiple inflammatory foci, as well as when localized in an area with a large number of blood and lymphatic vessels (face, neck, groin, armpits), the baby may have a fever, weakness, malaise and other signs of general intoxication.

When to see a doctor?

In most cases, a person can independently cope with one, uncomplicated boil. However, it is recommended to seek medical help if there is a significant disturbance in the general condition or the first signs of complications.

Alarming symptoms and changes that indicate the need to contact specialists are:

• Simultaneous appearance of more than 1 boil.
• The appearance of a boil on the face.
• Rapid deterioration in health.
• Severe pain in the area of ​​the boil, increased body temperature to 39°C or more.
• Lack of positive dynamics, despite the treatment.
• Persistence of the inflammatory process for more than 2 weeks.
• Constant recurrence of boils.

Diagnosis of a boil

The boil appears in the form of a “pimple” with inflammation around it; in the center you can usually see a “rod” (inflamed hair follicle). Inflammation quickly increases and in the absence of proper treatment of the boil, an abscess forms in the underlying tissues, i.e. the boil becomes abscessed. At this stage, surgical treatment of the boil is necessary.

The photo shows an abscess boil of the left thigh.

The photo below shows a femoral boil. Against the background of redness and infiltration, three purulent “heads” are visible. With further spread of the process and lack of treatment, such a boil can turn into a carbuncle.

In some cases, boils appear frequently, in different parts of the body. This condition is called furunculosis. In case of furunculosis, it is necessary to be examined by a surgeon, dermatologist, immunologist, and endocrinologist to find the causes that caused this disease.

The most dangerous are boils on the face, especially those located above the nasolabial fold. The fact is that with this location of the boil there is a risk of developing meningitis.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of “boil” is usually established on the basis of characteristic clinical changes. However, in order to monitor the patient’s general condition, early detection and prevention of complications, the following laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods can be used:

• General blood and urine tests (CBC, UAM).
• Biochemical blood test with determination of glucose levels.
• Blood test for HIV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
• Determination of hepatitis B and C virus markers by ELISA.
• Bacterial culture of a sample of purulent masses to identify the pathogen and its sensitivity to main antibiotics.

For recurrent and multiple boils, fluorography or radiography of the chest organs, ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs and kidneys, etc. can be additionally performed.

Differential diagnosis of a boil is carried out with other dermatological and infectious diseases, which may be accompanied by similar symptoms, including:

• Hidradenitis suppurativa,
• Erythema nodosum,
• Anthrax,
• Lupus,
• Actinomycosis.

Diagnosis of boils in children

Diagnosis and treatment of boils in children is carried out by a dermatologist, often requiring the help of a surgeon and/or otolaryngologist. Making a diagnosis is not difficult, since the formation is clearly visible during a routine examination. If boils appear in a child too often and/or in large numbers, a more detailed examination is required to clarify the cause of this condition. Depending on the situation, the following is prescribed:

• microscopy and bacterial culture of the abscess contents;
• general and biochemical blood test;
• glucose tolerance test for suspected diabetes mellitus;
• study of the state of immunity;
• Ultrasound of internal organs, examination of the nasal cavity and sinuses, chest x-ray and other studies aimed at searching for chronic foci of inflammation.

Pediatric doctors of other specialties often join the examination: endocrinologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists and immunologists.

In addition, if you suspect the development of a boil, it is imperative to involve a pediatric surgeon in the diagnosis. His intervention will help to promptly notice the formation of an abscess and take the necessary measures (opening the abscess, washing the cavity, bandaging).

Treatment of a boil

The boil, in the vast majority of cases, is subject to local treatment, which depends on the stage of its development. The purpose of the therapy is to prevent complications, cleanse the purulent focus and prevent the formation of rough scars.

Drug treatment

At the infiltration stage, ichthyol dressings, warming with dry heat and UHF therapy can be used. After opening, bandages with hypertonic sodium chloride solution, turunda with chloramphenicol and methyluracil are indicated.

To reduce body temperature and suppress pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used: ibuprofen, paracetamol. Depending on the accompanying changes, vitamin complexes, antihistamines, immunomodulators, etc. are used. If complications are suspected, antibacterial drugs can also be prescribed.

Local treatment with ointments

Local remedies are often used to combat boils.
Photo: Genrix20061.mail.ru / Depositphotos Local therapy using various ointments plays an important role in treatment. Considering the large number of topical medications on the market and the stage of the disease, it is better to consult a doctor before choosing a drug, especially if a boil has developed in a child.

At the infiltration stage, it is recommended to use antiseptic ointments with a so-called pulling effect: ichthyol, heparin, synthomycin.

When opening a boil on your own, treatment of the resulting skin defect with antibacterial soap is indicated, after which it is necessary to apply an antiseptic. In order to prevent local purulent complications, bandages with agents that have a local antibacterial effect (levomekol or tetracycline ointment) are used. It is recommended to change the dressing 2-3 times a day until healing, washing the wound with warm water and soap.

Surgery

In some cases, with severe pain or the risk of complications, a decision is made to open the boil. To do this, a small incision is made above the pustule, through which purulent-necrotic masses are removed. After surgery, the affected area is treated with antiseptic solutions, and less commonly, systemic antibiotics are prescribed.

Tips for treatment at home

Small, single boils can be treated at home. To speed up the recovery process and prevent the spread of infection into adjacent tissues and blood vessels, the following recommendations should be followed:

• Use warm compresses. Resorting to warm compresses several times a day for about 10 minutes will help the boil open and quickly release purulent-necrotic masses.
• Minimize mechanical impact on the boil. You should not try to squeeze out or puncture the boil yourself. This can lead to a breakthrough of the purulent-necrotic core into deeper tissues.
• Observe hygiene rules. After handling an opened boil and coming into contact with its discharge, you must wash your hands thoroughly. It is also important to use disposable materials for compresses and bandages and to wash clothing and fabrics that have come into contact with the contents of the boil.

Traditional treatment

Various folk recipes can be used as auxiliary therapy. However, it is important to note that in the absence of positive dynamics and the first signs of worsening local changes or general condition, you must immediately seek qualified medical help.

Some of the most popular folk recipes are:

• Honey cake. To prepare, mix one tablespoon of honey and the same amount of wheat flour. Next, it is applied to the boil until the pustule is opened. It is believed that it helps the purulent focus to clear faster and better.
• Aloe or Kalanchoe. A freshly cut aloe or Kalanchoe leaf is applied with the cut to the skin for several hours to the area of ​​infiltration. This method is suitable for the initial stages of disease development.
• Potato. Peeled, washed potatoes are cut into slices and applied to the boil. This bandage should be changed 3-4 times a day.

To make the boil go away faster, you can use aloe juice. Photo: piyaphunjun.gmail.com / Depositphotos

gormed.su

Furuncle (furunculus) is an acute inflammation of a purulent-necrotic nature, localized in the hair follicle and the surrounding connective tissue. The disease is caused by bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus aureus.

The disease begins with a burning sensation, tingling, and redness of the skin area, the center of which corresponds to the place where the hair exits. Then swelling of the skin occurs, a tubercle with a purulent head appears. The sizes of the boil vary and can be from 0.5 to 3.5 cm in diameter.

Complications of a boil can be: regional lymphadenitis, abscess, phlegmon, thrombophlebitis, sepsis - all these diseases require surgical treatment.

The most dangerous are boils located in the area of ​​the nasolabial fold, requiring hospitalization in a hospital, this is due to the possible development of purulent thrombosis of the cavernous sinus (this is one of the sinuses of the dura mater of the brain).

In the initial stages of boil development, conservative measures are taken (local treatment, dressings). Surgery is required in case of abscess formation of the boil.

Carbuncle (carbunculus) is an acute purulent skin disease characterized by inflammation of several hair follicles and sebaceous glands, followed by necrosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Most often, the causative agent of carbuncle is Staphylococcus aureus, less often - streptococci, Escherichia coli, and enterococci. Predisposing factors are poor hygiene, as well as metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity.

Carbuncles are often single and localized on the back of the neck, in the interscapular region, on the lower back, buttocks and face; they are less common on the extremities.

The disease, like a boil, begins with a feeling of tingling and burning in a certain area of ​​the skin, then swelling appears, which quickly increases, signs of purulent melting of tissues appear: the affected area of ​​​​the skin becomes bluish-purple, narrow fistulous openings form in the skin above the carbuncle, through which discharges pus.

In this case, the patient may experience a feeling of chills, general malaise, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and headache. These phenomena decrease after self-opening of the carbuncle. Complications of carbuncle are lymphangitis and regional lymphadenitis, sepsis, progressive thrombophlebitis, purulent meningitis. Carbuncles localized on the face, as well as in people with diabetes, are especially dangerous - they require hospital treatment.

Treatment of carbuncle on an outpatient basis is possible if the carbuncle is small in size, localized on the torso or limbs, or has mild intoxication.

At the stage of carbuncle formation, the use of antibiotics, as well as local treatment, is indicated. If conservative treatment brings positive results, then after 2-3 days there is a decrease in infiltration, pain and a decrease in body temperature, and the blood picture also normalizes.

At the stage of carbuncle formation, the use of antibiotics, as well as local treatment, is indicated. If conservative treatment brings positive results, then after 2-3 days there is a decrease in infiltration, pain and a decrease in body temperature, and the blood picture also normalizes.

When a purulent focus forms, surgical treatment is necessary. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. The carbuncle is opened with a cross-shaped incision, non-viable tissue is excised and topical medications are used. Subsequently, the patient undergoes the necessary staged dressings and receives antibacterial therapy.

Purulent diseases of the skin and subcutaneous fat account for almost 70% of all visits to the surgeon. Despite the fact that usually the opening of an abscess occurs quickly and practically painlessly, these diseases can cause serious complications. If you find inflammation on the skin, contact the surgical department of Professor Gorbakov’s Clinic without the slightest delay.

The most common purulent diseases are abscesses, felons, carbuncles, cellulitis, boils and hidradenitis. They occupy almost a third of the entire list of purulent diseases.

Reasons for the formation of felons, boils and carbuncles

About 80% of them are caused by staphylococci, which are extremely resistant to antimicrobial drugs. Reasons that contribute to the formation of ulcers include:

• Decreased local immunity of skin tissue, as well as injuries, wounds, microcracks and cuts;
• A general decrease in the body's resistance, which may be a consequence of diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency, stress and other systemic pathologies;
• The presence of an external source of infection.

Symptoms of panaritium

Panaritium is an inflammatory disease that is localized on the fingers and toes and is characterized by an acute course. There are two forms of the disease:

• Purulent form;
• Serous form, in which swelling is more pronounced.

The panaritium of the finger is formed at the site of a microtrauma that has become infected. Swelling, hyperemia and painful sensations of a pulsating nature appear. Symptoms of general malaise and fever may also develop.

Symptoms of boils

A furuncle is an inflammation of the hair follicle of a purulent-necrotic nature. Most often, the inflammation spreads to nearby sebaceous tissues. The simultaneous development of multiple inflammations in a limited area or over the entire surface of the body is possible. This is called furunculosis, which is difficult to treat and can chronically recur over several years. The cause of a boil is most often Staphylococcus aureus. The most dangerous in terms of localization is a boil on the face.

Symptoms of carbuncles

A carbuncle is the fusion of several boils into one large purulent-necrotic focus. The source of inflammation is staphylococcus or streptococcus. The process is accompanied by symptoms of general intoxication and malaise. If medical care is not provided in a timely manner, sepsis, meningitis and other emergency conditions may develop.

Diagnosis of purulent skin diseases is carried out during examination by a surgeon. For recurrent furunculosis, consultation with a dermatologist or immunologist may be required. An important aspect in this case is differential diagnosis, which will identify inflammation and prevent sepsis.

If it is necessary to determine the pathogen, a bacterioscopy of a smear of purulent contents is performed, followed by determination of its sensitivity to the most common antibiotics. It may be necessary to do a culture to determine the microflora. This analysis may take some time.

If a patient is suspected of having diabetes mellitus, the doctor may suggest donating blood to determine glucose levels. Treatment of purulent-inflammatory skin diseases in patients with diabetes is a more complex process and may require hospitalization.

Treatment of purulent-inflammatory skin diseases on an outpatient basis is carried out only when they are localized on the body in the form of single formations. Symptoms of intoxication in this case should not be very pronounced.

In this case, pharmacotherapy is recommended, which includes an antimicrobial drug, as well as local disinfectants and drainage agents.

For chronic furunculosis, complex therapy is used, which includes:

• Introduction of autovaccines;
• Immunization with specific toxoids;
• General restorative therapy.

Surgical treatment of felons, boils and carbuncles, the cost of which depends on the number of formations, is carried out when conservative treatment is ineffective. Surgical excision is also indicated if the patient does not go to the clinic in a timely manner and extensive suppuration develops.

Specialists at Professor Gorbakov’s Clinic remind you that it is inadmissible to treat felons, boils and carbuncles at home. Sepsis, which is one of the complications, is a formidable acute condition that threatens not only the health, but also the life of the patient. The price of not seeing a doctor in a timely manner could be your life!

Prognosis and prevention

As a rule, recovery occurs 1-2 weeks after the first symptoms appear. Sometimes a small connective tissue scar appears as a residual phenomenon, which gradually acquires a flesh color and becomes hardly noticeable.

It is not always possible to prevent the development of boils, especially when the immune system is weakened. However, the following recommendations can help avoid the development of the disease:

• Maintain good personal hygiene, including regular hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs. This will reduce the likelihood of disruption of the normal microflora of the skin and infection by pathogenic bacteria.
• Proper treatment of skin damage. The skin around cuts and abrasions should be treated with antiseptics, and the injuries themselves should be bandaged with clean, sterile, dry bandages until they heal.
• Individual use of personal hygiene products. No sharing of towels, sheets, razors, clothing, sports equipment or other personal items is permitted. Due to these items, pathogenic staphylococci are able to be transmitted from person to person.
• Proper, balanced nutrition.
• Complete treatment of concomitant diseases and conditions that can reduce the body's defenses.

Sources

1. Shallcross, Laura J et al. “Incidence and recurrence of boils and abscesses within the first year: a cohort study in UK primary care.” The British journal of general practice: the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners vol. 65.639 (2015).
2. Clinical protocol for diagnosis and treatment of “skin abscess, boil and carbuncle of other localizations” Expert Council of the Republican State Enterprise at the Republican Center for Healthcare Development of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 12, 2014 protocol No. 9.
3. Boils and carbuncles. Mayo Clinic.
4. Federal clinical guidelines for the management of patients with pyoderma. Russian Society of Dermatovenereologists and Cosmetologists, 2015.