Final answer:
External based carbuncles are treated with incision and drainage, followed by a course of antibiotics. Medical treatment is necessary especially if the carbuncle is large, recurrent, or if systemic symptoms like fever are present. Preventative measures include good hygiene and skin care.
Step-by-step explanation:
When treating external based carbuncles, a deeper skin infection characterized by a cluster of boils, medical intervention is generally required. Carbuncles often result in systemic symptoms and may make the individual feel generally ill. The mainstays of treatment for carbuncles involve drainage and antibiotics. A healthcare provider will likely recommend incision and drainage of the carbuncle to release pus, followed by a course of antibiotics to treat the underlying bacterial infection, typically caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.
If a carbuncle is larger, recurrent, or worsening, it is crucial to seek medical attention. Additionally, if there are signs of a systemic infection like fever, medical treatment becomes necessary. In some cases, laboratory analysis and culturing of the wound can provide detailed information about the bacteria involved, which can guide the choice of antibiotics.
Proper hygiene and skin care are essential preventative measures, especially for those with compromised immune systems or those in close contact with others such as in sports teams or living in communal spaces. If over-the-counter treatments do not suffice, as with certain fungal infections like ringworm, or if the infection is caused by resistant bacteria such as Pseudomonas spp., the treatment becomes more specific to the organism causing the infection.