Treatment of a furuncle on the neck
In the case of a boil on the neck, in most cases no treatment is necessary, as the abscesses burst open and empty on their own after a few days.Small boils can be treated additionally with a so-called pulling cream (or pulling ointment). These are freely available preparations containing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents that accelerate the healing of the furuncle. In the case of larger abscesses on the neck, it is better to consult a doctor, otherwise there is a risk of blood poisoning.
The doctor cuts open the boil and drains the pus. Then an antibiotic ointment (e.g. penicillin against staphylococci and streptococci) is applied to prevent the bacteria from multiplying. The most important measure in case of a boil on the neck is not to press or squeeze it. Otherwise, the germs may be pressed into the tissue and blood, leading to serious complications. In the case of frequently recurring (recurring) boils, the pathogen must be identified and searched for causes of a disturbed immune system or metabolic disease (e.g. diabetes mellitus).
Duration
Most boils on the neck are harmless and burst open by themselves after a few days, whereby the pus empties outwards. Then the wound heals and a small scar remains. In some cases there is a relapse and thus recurring boils. This is also called furunculosis. Then the pathogens must be identified and an appropriate antibiotic therapy must be initiated.
At what point does a boil on the neck become dangerous?
A boil on the neck is harmless in most cases, but if bacteria attack the surrounding lymphatic system or blood vessels it can even become life-threatening. The accumulation of pus lies in a cavity (abscess cavity), which is separated from the surrounding tissue by a capsule and thus prevents the bacteria from spreading. The entry of germs into lymph vessels leads to regional inflammation of the lymph vessels (lymphangitis) and the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis).
Patients feel exhausted and have fever. This leads to blood poisoning (sepsis) and the pathogen can spread throughout the body. Sepsis is one of the most frequent causes of death in Germany and must be treated quickly, as organ failure and death can occur as a result of septic shock.
