FURUNCLE Meaning and
Definition
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A furuncle is a medical term referring to a localized skin infection commonly known as a boil. It is a painful, pus-filled lump that develops deep within the skin and usually appears as a red, swollen bump. Furuncles primarily occur as a result of a bacterial infection, often caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria which enters the skin through hair follicles or breaks in the skin. Individuals with compromised immune systems or those who suffer from poor hygiene are more prone to developing furuncles.
The development of a furuncle begins when bacteria or other pathogens penetrate into the hair follicle or oil gland, leading to an infection. The infected area then becomes tender, swollen, and forms a firm lump filled with pus at the center. As the furuncle matures, it often increases in size and causes discomfort, making it difficult to touch or move. Occasionally, furuncles may spontaneously rupture, releasing the pus, which can provide relief and facilitate healing.
Treatment for furuncles typically involves applying warm compresses to the affected area to promote drainage and reduce pain. Antibacterial ointments or oral antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to combat the infection. It is important to refrain from forcibly bursting or squeezing the furuncles, as this act may worsen the infection or lead to the development of more furuncles. If furuncles are recurrent or severe, medical attention should be sought to evaluate the underlying cause and determine appropriate treatment.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FURUNCLE
- duruncle
- curuncle
- vuruncle
- guruncle
- turuncle
- ruruncle
- fyruncle
- fhruncle
- fjruncle
- firuncle
- f8runcle
- f7runcle
- fueuncle
- fuduncle
- fufuncle
- futuncle
- fu5uncle
- fu4uncle
- furyncle
Etymology of FURUNCLE
The word "furuncle" is derived from the Latin term "furunculus", which means "small thief". This Latin term is a diminutive of "fur", which means "thief". The word "furuncle" historically referred to an abscess or boil, often associated with theft or the act of stealing. The use of the word in this medical context likely originated from the belief that these skin infections "stole" or drained one's vitality or energy. Over time, the term evolved and is now primarily used in the medical field to describe a painful, localized skin infection, typically caused by bacteria, that involves a hair follicle and nearby tissue.
Similar spelling word for FURUNCLE
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