Scarring
Scarring can sometimes occur following a larger boil or carbuncle. While scars never disappear completely, they do fade with time and become less noticeable.
If you're particularly concerned about scars, there are a number of treatment options, including:
- corticosteroid injections, which can help to flatten a raised scar
- medications, such as aminobenzoate, which help to break down scar tissue
- pressure dressings – these help to flatten and soften a scar
- plastic surgery
However, it's unlikely that your local primary care trust (PCT) will agree to fund these treatments unless it can be shown that your scars are causing you considerable psychological distress.
A simpler alternative is to use make-up to conceal any scars that you have. Camouflage make-up that's specially designed for covering up scars is available over the counter at pharmacies.
Read more about treating scars.
Spread of infection
The bacteria inside a boil or carbuncle can sometimes spread to other parts of the body and trigger a secondary infection.
Cellulitis is the most common secondary infection associated with boils and carbuncles. Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin.
See Cellulitis for more information.
Much less common secondary infections associated with boils and carbuncles include:
- septic arthritis – an infection of a joint
- osteomyelitis – an infection that develops inside a bone
- endocarditis – an infection of the inner layer of the heart
- septicaemia – an infection of the blood
- brain abscess – a collection of pus develops inside the brain
These less common secondary infections need to be treated with injections of antibiotics. In the case of septicaemia and brain abscess, admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) may be required.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is very rare but potentially life-threatening complication of a boil. It occurs when an infection triggers a blood clot in the spaces behind the eye socket and the clot begins to increase pressure on the brain, causing symptoms such as:
- a sharp and severe headache
- swelling of the eyes
- eye pain that's often severe
Without prompt treatment with antibiotics, cavernous sinus thrombosis can be fatal. However, it should be stressed that only 1 in every 2.5 million people in England will develop this complication in any given year.
See Cavernous sinus thrombosis for more information.
