Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Boil history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
A detailed and thorough history from the patient is necessary. Specific areas of focus when obtaining a history from the patient include history of immunosupression, family history of furunculosis, history of contact sports, history of close contact, and recent travel. Common symptoms of the boil include firm, red, and painful bump with pus filled head.[1]
History
History
Specific areas of focus when obtaining a history from the patient include history of:[1]
- Immunosupression
- HIV
- Diabetes mellitus
- Chemotherapy
- Corticosteroid therapy
- Contact sports
- Recent travel
- Coexisting skin conditions
- Close contact (military, prisons, homeless shelters)
- Family members with furunculosis
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms of boils may include:[2][1]
More common symptoms
- Firm red painful bump
- Pus filled head on the bump which may spontaneously ooze
- Itching
Less common symptoms
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
References
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Stevens, Dennis L., et al. “Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft-tissue infections.” Clinical Infectious Diseases 41.10 (2005): 1373-1406.
- ↑ MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001474.htm August 1,2016 Accessed on August 10,2016
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yamuna Kondapally, M.B.B.S[2]