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Boils, carbuncles, folliculitis, paronychia and staphylococcal whitlow - Management
How long should I prescribe antibiotics for? (boils, carbuncles, folliculitis, paronychia, staphylococcal whitlow)
- For empirical antibiotic treatment, a 7-day course is recommended for boils, carbuncles, folliculitis, staphylococcal paronychia, and staphylococcal whitlow (if antibiotics are indicated).
- In chronic cases of furunculosis, carbuncles, or folliculitis, an initial 7-day course followed by review seems reasonable. However, some people may need a longer course to clear chronic infection (e.g. 6–8 weeks), although this should be discussed with a specialist. Choice of antibiotics in chronic cases should be guided by sensitivities.
Basis for recommendation
- These recommendations are pragmatic advice. CKS found no randomized controlled trials that studied the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment (or the length of antibiotic course needed) for boils, carbuncles, folliculitis, staphylococcal paronychia, and staphylococcal whitlow.
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