Inflammation
INFLAMMATION
Inflammation is the body’s natural and protective response to injury, infection, or irritation.
The primary purpose of inflammation is to eliminate the cause of cell injury, clear out damaged cells and tissues.
CARBUNCLES
This is a local staphylococcal infection of the skin. Clinically, carbuncle looks like a multiple boil, but the slough is larger and deep seated. They occur commonly in areas where the skin is thick and inelastic e.g. the back of the neck and the buttocks.
A carbuncle is an abscess of the skin and subcutaneous tissue that represents an extension of a furuncle that has invaded several follicles and is large and deep seated.When the slough of the carbuncle is removed, a large ulcer is left which heals slowly.
A carbuncle is larger than a boil and usually has one or more openings draining pus onto the skin. Experts say it is most commonly caused by staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium. The infection can spread to other parts of the body, and other people too.
Pathology of Carbuncle
Damage to the hair follicle or entry of bacteria into systemic circulation allows bacteria to enter deeper into the tissues of the follicle and the subcutaneous tissue. A small red follicular papule or pustule (folliculitis) appears and is accompanied by induration. Reddening, tenderness, spontaneous pain, and localized heat sensation become marked. The pustule develops a pustular plug. The induration softens and becomes an abscess. Inflammatory symptoms quickly subside when the pus discharges, and in 1 or 2 weeks the furuncle heals leaving a small scar.
WHITLOW
This is infection of the fingertip, most often, affecting the fingernail. It is caused by streptococcus. It mostly follows punctured wound. The infection may spread to involve the tendon.
TREATMENT OF WHITLOW
1. A boil may clear up on its own without bursting
2. Regular application of warm moist compress
3. Antibiotics administration
4. Incision and drainage
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