BABY AND CHILDHOOD SKIN DISORDERS: BOILS
Doctors refer to a boil as a furuncle. It is intimately connected to our unfriendly foe, the staphylococcal family—this is the general name of a large group of germs (or bacteria) that cause a wide range of illnesses. When they become involved in the skin, boils can result.
The usual way in which a boil starts is for some staph germs (for short) to track down the shaft of a hair root beneath the skin's surface. Alternatively, they may veer off into a sebaceous gland (these are the skin's fat-producing glands, usually located near a hair root, and frequently in direct communication with it). This may come about from scratching the skin, or from clothing rubbing, and germs on the surface being shoved along the hair shaft into the depths beneath.
The germs rapidly multiply, and soon pus forms as the body marshals its defences to try to kill the invaders. For this reason, a boil usually takes several days to develop. The part becomes sore and swollen. Of ien this occurs around the neck where collars rub, or anywhere else where there is local skin rubbing or irritation. Between the legs and near the back passage are also common spots.
The infected part becomes hot, red, swollen and tender, and a lump develops. Gradually, as the swelling fills with pus and yellowish coloured debris, a core forms. This is a hard plug of collected debris. Until this escapes to the outside, the part will remain painful. Once removed, either from spontaneous bursting or from surgical interception, and the part is drained, it rapidly subsides, heals, covers over and vanishes. The entire process may take anywhere from five to fifteen days.
Often there is a fever, the child feels ill, maybe shivery, the skin tingly and uncomfortable. Lymph glands may well and become tender (under the armpits if the hand or arm are involved, for example). There may be generalized body aches and pains, joints may be tender, the child feeling off-colour, off food, and running a fever. The larger the infection and the longer it persists, the more likely are these generalized symptoms.
Treatment
In the early stages, most parents will give simple home remedies a trial. Alternate hot and cold packs are a good starting point. This may be repeated every two to four hours. Make a pack from a small folded towel. Immerse inhot water, wring out, and place over the affected area. Be careful not to burn (infected parts are often more susceptible than usual to heat). When the towel cools, replace it with an icy cold pack. Then re-do the hot one. Keep this going for five to ten minutes. (The child can do this with supervision. It occupies his time and gives him the impression something is being done to solve the problem.) Actually, this procedure increases local circulation, brings fresh blood and food to the infected area, moves stagnating blood on and may assist in healing. It may also help the whole thing to head, and the sooner pus is evacuated the better.
Even more messy are magnesium sulphate applications. These were very popular in the pre-antibiotic era, but are still used. This application (available from the pharmacist) is a gooey, thick, sticky mass. About one tablespoonf ul is applied directly to the skin over the swelling. This is covered with several layers of dressing, and the edges taped securely. This is important—otherwise during the night it will melt, and a gluggy mess will find its way into your child's bed. This may be repeated twice a day. It is aimed at helping the boil to head and can assist to a certain extent. Personally I seldom use it, for I don't like having glug everywhere.
With the ready availability of wide-spectrum antibiotics, these are often prescribed by the doctor. They can often cut short an impending boil, reduce pain and, if given early enough, prevent it from developing to the stage of pus accumulation and a painful head. Follow the doctor's recommendations. Most antibiotics must be given before food, otherwise their value is largely lost. Children today are not given tetracycline antibiotics, for these are notorious for staining the teeth a horrid yellow when they become older. But other families of antibiotics are available, and the doctor will select an appropriate one.
If the bouts keep recurring, a special test called a bacterial culture and sensitivity test may be ordered. This lets the doctor know exactly the nature of the infection, and also points the finger at the most appropriate antibiotic to be used in this specific case. It is an excellent system for severe infections.
Elevated temperatures, general aches and pains or local pain can be dealt with by the sensible use of pain relievers and antipyretics. Paracetamol is very satisfactory, and quite safe if taken in the recommended doses. Paracetamol elixir is best for children under the age of 6 years (do not give aspirin, for this is a potent stomach irritant). Paracetamol or aspirin tablets are suitable for children 6 years of age and over. Check the label, for dosage varies with age.
If boils recur, see the doctor. Several underlying disorders may make a child more susceptible than normal to these skin infections—such as diabetes, skin disorders, a general reduction in nutrition and body resistance. Special measures may be advisable.
Plenty of fluids are recommended at all times. These rid the system of accumulating toxins, dead germs and debris associated with infections. Water, water-based drinks and fruit juices are usually best.
Carbuncles
Carbuncles are an accumulation of several boils. They are usually deeply seated, and abscesses may develop. They may be very painful and debilitating. They are not common in children. Treatment is similar to the treatment of boils. Antibiotic therapy is usually essential. Often surgical incision of the infection by the doctor is necessary to relieve the collection of pus.
*122\87\2*
General Health
- The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
- Read the product information leaflet provided with the product before using it.
Information that this website contains are general information only and are not intended as a replacement for advise and recommendations made by your medical practitioner. We do not make any warranty or represent the accuracy of information supplied herein. We reserve the right to omit portions, correct errors or withdraw an entire page on this website as we see fit without prior notice.
Information about a certain drug, its uses, recommended dosages and side effects do not serve as a substitute to a prescription or information relayed to you by a licensed medical practitioner. These materials are just a general overview about the product. Likewise, we do not endorse use of any drug found on this site.
Use of this site is at your sole risk. We disclaim responsibility for reliance you place upon the information that we posted on this site. Always seek medical advice from a professional healthcare and discuss thoroughly your intention of using any of the medicine that is offered in this website.
|
