Boils/Abscesses/Carbuncles

What Causes Boils/Abscesses/Carbuncles?

Boils/abscesses/carbuncles can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'needs attention' to 'generally fatal'.  Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

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Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms.  In order to diagnose boils/abscesses/carbuncles, we could:

  • Research the topic
  • Find a doctor with the time
  • Use a diagnostic computer system.
The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "boils/abscesses/carbuncles" as a symptom.  Here are three possibilities:
  • Weakened Immune System
  • Diabetes II
  • Chronic Renal Insufficiency

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:
mood swings
history of cysts in breasts
slow recovery from colds/flu
frequent bizarre dreams
microcytic red cells
extreme calorie restriction
chronic renal insufficiency
regular unexplained vomiting
Under 1 year above 180 blood sugar
African ethnicity
being very skinny
heavily coated tongue
... and more than 40 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of boils/abscesses/carbuncles:
Cause Probability Status
Weakened Immune System 93% Confirm
Chronic Renal Insufficiency 30% Unlikely
Diabetes II 1% Ruled out
* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

In the Immune System Symptoms section of the questionnaire, The Analyst™ will ask the following question about boils/abscesses/carbuncles:
Have you suffered from boils, abscesses or carbuncles?
Possible responses:
→ Never had one / don't know
→ Probably had one/minor episode(s) now resolved
→ Major episode(s) now resolved
→ Current minor/occasional problem
→ Current major/frequent problem
Based on your response to this question, which may indicate either past boils/abscesses/carbuncles or boils/abscesses/carbuncles, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:
Chronic Renal Insufficiency

People with certain illnesses, including kidney failure, are more at risk of developing boils.

Diabetes Type II

People with certain illnesses, including diabetes, are more at risk of developing boils.

Weakened Immune System

Diseases that are associated with deficiencies in the normal immune system can increase the tendency to develop boils.

Concerned or curious about your health?  Try The Analyst™
Symptom Entry
Symptom Entry
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Suggestions
Suggestions
LifeMeter
LifeMeter®
Full Explanations
Explanations
Optional Doctor Review
Review (optional)
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