Development of a furuncle
They occur particularly frequently when the immune system is weakened. Then the pathogens migrate along the hair or sweat glands into the tissue and cause an infection. The pus is caused by the destruction of the tissue cells and the presence of the immune cells.
At first, the pus accumulates under the skin and increases the pressure painfulness of the area. However, the pus can also find its own way out and break through the skin. The union of several boils is called carbuncle.
The development of a furuncle is favored by various factors. On the one hand, a weak immune system is a possible cause for the development of furuncles, as the bacteria are not fought efficiently enough. On the other hand, metabolic diseases, such as poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, favour the formation of furuncles.
Personal hygiene also plays a role in the development of furuncles.Since pressure points or wounds caused by the rubbing of ill-fitting clothing and underwear can cause boils, this should be avoided. Especially in the genital area, boils can be caused by shaving if there is no disinfection after shaving and germs penetrate the subcutaneous tissue through the micro lesions caused by shaving. Particularly in the genital area, boils quickly develop due to the numerous pathogens present and the warm, moist environment. Further causes can be found under Causes of a furuncle.
Complications of a furuncle in the genital area
Uncomplicated boils show a favorable course, which open and heal by themselves. Especially in the case of boils in the genital area it is very important to prevent the bacteria from the pus of a burst boil from being transferred to other parts of the body or even sexual partners/contact persons. Therefore, good hygiene of the body area affected by the furuncle is indispensable.
It is less favourable if the boils occur several times (furunculosis) or if several boils appear next to each other and merge into one large, very painful carbuncle. It is very important not to press on the furuncles, as this can worsen the inflammation and cause an abscess. Then a surgical procedure under general or regional anesthesia becomes necessary, in which a larger incision opens the abscess cavity and not only the pus but also the dead tissue areas are removed.
In the further course of the operation, the wound remains open so that further pus can drain away. Antibiotics can also be applied locally to the wound in the form of platelets, sponges or chains. In addition to lymph node swelling, a particularly serious complication when the pathogens spread in the body can be blood poisoning (sepsis).
