Carbuncle

Definition of Carbuncle:

Carbuncle is defined as the infective gangrene of the skin and subcutaneous tissue composed of boil with multiple formed or incipient discharging sinuses usually due to staphylococcus.(seen in nose following fever)

Common sites:

1.Nape of neck

• Less vascular area
• lax and extensive tissue planes

2.Back  of the shoulder
3.But can occur anywhere in the body

Susceptible groups:

1. Diabetic patients
2. Usually male
3. Age:more than 20 yrs
4. Chronic illness or immunodeficiency.

Complications:

1. Septicaemia
2. Epidural abscess
3. Meningitis

2,3 more common in nape of the neck.

Management:

1. incision and drainage of pus and excision of all dead tissue.
2. Control of diabetes mellitus
3. Antibiotics(cloxacillin or flucloxacillin)
4. Regular local wound care(Dressing -in hospital,usually at 2 or 3 days interval)
5. Improvement of the general condition of the patient.