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Boils
Questionnaire/history?
Systematically unwell?
Past medical history:
- Immunocompromised?
Current medication?
Known drug allergies?
Examination:
Boil?
- Fluctuant?
Carbuncle (several adjacent boils joined beneath the skin)?
- Fluctuant?
Management:
Admission if:
- Systemically unwell
- Accompanying cellulitis
- Facial boils
- Immunocompromised
Primary care management:
Small fluctuant boils and non-fluctuant boils
7-day course antibiotics
Advised:
To apply moist heat 3-4 times per day
To re-present if becoming systemically unwell or developing cellulitis
To read online info ‘British Associations of Dermatologists: Boils’
Resource(s):
Information for patient/care(s):
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