Boils
Boils (Other names: Abscess; Carbuncle when multiple boils fuse; Furuncle when hair root is involved; Sty when eyelids are involved) A boil is a bacterial infection of the skin of any area(s) showing stages of a reddish area at first, then a hardened lump, and finally changing into a lump filled with pus that often shows through the top. The lesions may be single or multiple and generally surround a hair root or skin gland. Boils occur as a result of an infection with germs called Staphylococcus aureus popularly known as Staph. The bacteria reach deeper layers of skin following cuts, alongside hairs, insect bites, or a preexisting skin disease. These germs tend to build a wall around their colonies which makes penetration of killing agents difficult. Certain conditions help bacteria breach body’s natural disease fighting capacity to let the bacteria attack. Such conditions include poor personal hygiene/ a close contact with an infected person, diabetes, use of resistance lowering medications like chemotherapy or steroids. Symptoms of boil may additionally include swelling of lymph glands, fever, and weakness. Boils is a common condition and runs the risk of taking serious turn if not handled properly. The germs can spread to blood, bones, brain or heart. Several varieties of germs have become unresponsive to commonly used antibacterial agents. Emerging drug resistance in bacteria in Staph has become a major concern due to difficulty in treatment and risk of spread in communities. Infections like boils are one of the commonest causes for abstention from work, discomfort, and financial loss. A considerable burden due to boils can be reduced with proper handling of this condition.