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Carbuncle

A carbuncle is a coalescence of interconnected furuncles that drain through a number of points.

The most common cause of furuncles and carbuncles is coagulase-positive S aureus. Cultures should be obtained from all suppurative lesions.

Treatment of Carbuncles

Warm compresses and cleansing.

Dicloxacillin (Pathocil) 500 mg PO qid.

Manipulation and surgical incision of skin infections, cellulitis, superficial folliculitis, impetigo early lesions should be avoided, because these maneuvers may cause local or systemic skin infections, cellulitis, superficial folliculitis, impetigo extension. However, when the lesions begin to suppurate and become fluctuant, drainage may skin infections, cellulitis, superficial folliculitis, impetigo.

Draining lesions should be covered with carbuncle