Furuncle/ Carbuncle
A furuncle is an infection of the hair follicle and its surrounding tissue, colloquial known as 'boil' or 'abscess', mostly caused by the pathogen staphylococcus aureus. The necrosis of the follicle causes a painful, erythematous, fluctuant or firm boil. The containing pus either drains spontaneously or an incision of the furuncle is induced. Afterwards a blue-red erythema remains for several days and heals with a delicate scar formation.
In the oral mucosa a furuncle is not to be found but perforations in the oral cavity are possible and if a furuncle is located above the upper lip, the complication of a sinus thrombosis must be considered.
A carbuncle results from the confluence of several furuncles and can be accompanied by fever and/or fatigue. The infection potentially spreads to other areas of the body and is contagious. Furuncles/ carbuncles normally heal within 2 weeks on their own. Antibacterial soaps or antbiotics can provide complications. back
In the oral mucosa a furuncle is not to be found but perforations in the oral cavity are possible and if a furuncle is located above the upper lip, the complication of a sinus thrombosis must be considered.
A carbuncle results from the confluence of several furuncles and can be accompanied by fever and/or fatigue. The infection potentially spreads to other areas of the body and is contagious. Furuncles/ carbuncles normally heal within 2 weeks on their own. Antibacterial soaps or antbiotics can provide complications. back
