Pus-filled lump

Description

Boil or pus-filled lump. Small abscess (accumulated pus) on the skin. A group of similar ulcers can fuse and form one big ulcer (carbuncle). Infection occurs from hair follicle and develops rapidly to abscess. Bacteria which is the usual cause is Staphylococcus aureus while MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is also becoming a more common cause. They can appear in any part of the body, but they are usually on the back, neck or skin which is often exposed to shaving. Infection can be contagious and it is usually present in people suffering from diabetes or other diseases that are weakening the immune system.

Symptoms

Redness of the skin, swelling of the skin, pain on the skin, high skin temperature, a lump with a white center, leaking of pus from the lump on the skin.

Overview

Anamnesis is being taken and physical examination is being done. There is no need for other examinations. A smear of the wound is taken sometimes.

Tests

Smear of the wound

Specialists

Dermatology, General Practice, Internal Medicine

Therapy

The wound should be cleaned to remove completely the ulcers. If it doesn’t help, medical assistance is needed, whereby affected area is opened with a little sterile knife and the pus is being drained. Antibiotics taken orally, such as Cephalexin, Clindamycin, and Erythromycin, may also be prescribed. If doctor suspects on the presence of bacteria MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim or linezolid could also be prescribed. Topical local antibiotic may sometimes be prescribed.