The treatment of furuncle with antibiotics | The treatment of a boil

The treatment of furuncle with antibiotics

The use of antibiotics is not always necessary in the presence of a furuncle. In this context, the extent of the infection and the exact location of the furuncle play a decisive role. Particularly in the case of small furuncles with little pronounced inflammatory processes, antibiotics do not usually have to be taken.

With regard to the localization, the administration of various antibiotics is indispensable, especially in the case of a boil within the face. However, since a boil is a bacterial infection, antibiotics can theoretically help accelerate the healing process and minimize possible risks, regardless of the exact localization. In the case of small, inconspicuous furuncles outside the face, treatment can in many cases be carried out by regularly applying an ointment or cream containing antibiotics.

The most frequently detectable bacterial pathogen that leads to the development of a furuncle belongs to the group of staphylococci (for example Staphylococcus aureus). For this reason, antibiotics that are directed against this particular pathogen should always be chosen when treating a boil. The Staphylococcus aureus is generally considered sensitive to so-called beta-lactam antibiotics (for example methicillin).

These antibiotics are different penicillin derivatives. In over 80 percent of cases, however, resistance of the causative pathogens to penicillin can be proven in the presence of a furuncle. The reason for this is the fact that over time, especially bacteria from the group of staphylococci have been able to develop an enzyme that is able to cleave penicillin (penicillinase).

For this reason, the treatment of a staphylococcal-associated furuncle with penicillin-containing ointments can theoretically be successful, but in most cases no treatment success can be demonstrated in the patients affected. Patients suffering from a small uncomplicated furuncle are therefore usually prescribed an ointment containing the active ingredient clindamycin. In cases of pronounced infections, a large boil or a critical localization (for example in the face), the surgical treatment should always be supplemented by the oral administration of an antibiotic.

In this context, so-called penicillinase-resistant beta-lactam antibiotics such as Flucloxacillin are particularly suitable.If the affected patient suffers from an allergy to penicillin, clindamycin may also be prescribed. However, the use of clindamycin to treat a boil is not without danger. Because of the possibility of serious side effects, Clindamycin is still considered an absolute reserve antibiotic.

The most common adverse drug reactions observed in connection with the use of Clindamycin are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The so-called pseudomembranous enterocolitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, is the most feared side effect of the antibiotics of the lincosamide group (e.g. Clindamycin). This disease is a reason to stop treatment of a furuncle with clindamycin immediately.

Furthermore, liver damage is one of the most common and dangerous side effects of these antibiotics. Other antibiotics that are suitable for the treatment of patients suffering from a boil belong to the group of macrolides. A classic example of possible antibiotics of this group is the frequently used erythromycin. Also in the treatment of patients suffering from boils are antibiotics from the group of fluoroquinolones (for example Levofloxacin).