In the 'Symptoms - Immune System' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about boils/abscesses/carbuncles:
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Have you suffered from boils, abscesses or carbuncles?
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"Never had one / don't know" |
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| 2. |
"Probably had one/minor episode(s) now resolved" |
Past boils/abscesses/carbuncles |
A risk factor |
| 3. |
"Major episode(s) now resolved" |
Past boils/abscesses/carbuncles |
A risk factor |
| 4. |
"Current minor/occasional problem" |
Boils/abscesses/carbuncles |
A pre-existing condition |
| 5. |
"Current major/frequent problem" |
Boils/abscesses/carbuncles |
A pre-existing condition |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
GLOSSARY
Boil (Abscess, Abscesses, Boils, Carbuncle, Carbuncles, Cystic Acne, Furuncle, Furuncles, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Pilonidal Cyst, Pilonidal Cysts)
A localized infection deep in the skin. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with white cells that the body sends to fight the infection (pus). Finally, the pus forms a "head" and drains out through the skin. A furuncle or carbuncle is an abscess in the skin caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. It can have one or more openings onto the skin and may be associated with a fever or chills. Cystic acne is a type of abscess formed when oil ducts become clogged and infected. Cystic acne is most common in the teenage years. Hidradenitis suppurativa is an illness in which there are multiple abscesses that form under the arm pits and in the groin area. These areas are a result of local inflammation of the sweat glands. A pilonidal cyst is a special kind of abscess that occurs in the crease of the buttocks. These frequently form after long trips that involve sitting.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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