Furuncle

I have been getting red boils all over my body since January 2007. Later i found of that it is Furuncle.
In this period of time i have got almost 20-25 boils at various intervals. These boils are extremely painful and unbearable. It just feels like the end of everything.
Pls can you suggest me preventive measures and ways by which these boils can be avoided.
I have been taking Augmentin duo 625 for relief, with the help of this medicine i dont get these boils for 4-6 months but then again they start appearing on my body.
Pls suggest me cures n preventive measures as the pain is absolutely unbearable.
Thank You

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus. . Hair follicles that are blocked by greasy creams, petroleum jelly, or similar products are more vulnerable to infection. Bacterial skin infections can be spread by shared cosmetics or washcloths, close human contact, or by contact with pus from a boil or carbuncle.

Pls keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful.In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.Also recurrent boils are found in diabetes, HIV infection, or other immune system disorders.So pls get your blood sugar evaluated.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards