Furuncle in the neck

When bacteria penetrate deep into the hairline, they can cause an unpleasant inflammation at the hair follicle. If the inflammation progresses further by forming pus and accumulating in a capsule, it is a boil. The boil can initially be limited to a hair follicle. If the inflammation continues to spread, a boil can also grow several centimeters in size.

Causes of a furuncle in the neck

One of the most common bacteria that can cause such an inflammation of a hair follicle is the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This pathogen colonizes the mucous membranes of many people and can be carried from there. Through contact with the nose, for example, where the bacterium has its actual location, it can also reach other parts of the skin through a smear infection with the hand.

Boils are often found on the face, neck and buttocks. These skin areas are often covered with small fine hairs. Via the skin surface they then penetrate along the hair shaft into the depth of the hair follicle.

In the warm environment, the pathogens can multiply optimally and finally cause an inflammatory reaction. Furthermore, the pathogen can also be passed on from person to person through a smear infection. Other diseases, such as the metabolic disease diabetes mellitus (“diabetes”) and the skin disease neurodermatitis, can promote the development of a boil. Drugs that additionally weaken the immune system, such as the steroid hormone cortisone, can additionally promote inflammation, since the body cannot build up sufficient defenses against the invading pathogens. In addition, poor personal hygiene can promote boils, abscesses and the carrying of germs, so that infections occur more frequently under these conditions.

Symptoms of a boil in the neck

A boil in the neck initially has the same symptoms as a boil in another place. The typical signs of inflammation appear such as redness, swelling, overheating and pain. The reddening can take on different forms and can be of different sizes.

Since the inflammation is initially deep in the skin, swelling is not necessarily visible. It can only be seen when the accumulation of pus in the boil is large enough for it to reach the surface. Often a feeling of pressure is caused by the pus formation.

A yellowish-brown encrustation is sometimes visible externally. Due to the pus formation, the region around the boil in the neck can also be sensitive to pressure. The pain can, but need not occur.

It depends on the size of the boil and the severity of the inflammation. In addition to the locally occurring symptoms, general symptoms of the disease can also occur. These symptoms include on the one hand an increase in body temperature, on the other hand the bacteria can spread via the lymphatic system to the nearest lymph nodes.

The spread into the lymph region can cause inflammation of the lymph nodes. A so-called lymphangitis can spread from the neck to the neck region or even to the armpits (). The lymph nodes in the neck then swell and can be painful and sensitive to pressure.

In rare cases, the pathogens can also be carried into the bloodstream and lead to blood poisoning. This sepsis can be accompanied by high fever and drowsiness. Therefore, it is important that a treatment that is carried out by the patient himself always takes place under very hygienic conditions.

If the symptoms do not improve, a doctor should be consulted at an early stage. Boils, often called “pimples” because of their appearance, develop when a hair follicle becomes inflamed. In contrast to a simple inflammation of the hair follicle, also known as folliculitis, boils are characterized by central melting with pus and a hard core.

A typical localization for a boil is the neck region. Such boils are also called nuchal boils in medical terminology. Boils are typically painful and can therefore also cause neck pain.

Unlike muscular pain, which often feels like pulling and stretching, boils lead to a precisely localized throbbing pain. The pain becomes worse when the boil is touched or even pressed. Boils in the neck can lead to a spontaneous discharge of pus, which relieves and improves the pain. The boil should not be touched unnecessarily. One should absolutely refrain from pressing the boil on the neck, as this can cause dangerous infections.If necessary, pain relief can be achieved by local cooling.