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Boils, carbuncles, folliculitis, paronychia and staphylococcal whitlow - Management
How should I manage fluctuant boils and carbuncles?
- Incise and drain (this can be done locally if the skills to do this exist within the practice, or alternatively refer).
- Offer antibiotics if:
- There is also fever or cellulitis.
- The lesion is large (e.g. carbuncle) or on the face.
- There are other comorbidities (e.g. diabetes).
- Offer analgesia (paracetamol or ibuprofen) if needed.
- Advise people to cover the lesion with a sterile dressing.
- Consider admission if the person is unwell, or the infection is in an area where complications can be serious (e.g. the face). Clinical judgement should be used, taking into account the rapidity and degree of spread, and whether or not the person (or carer) is able to follow instructions reliably regarding monitoring of possible complications.
In depth
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