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
  • Chronic Renal Insufficiency
  • Diabetes II

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:
slightly elevated eosinophil count
often taking naps
constant thirst
regular unexplained vomiting
long menstrual cycles
regular infections
yellow/yellowish fingernails
2hr postprandial glucose 160-200mg%
being very skinny
Under 1 year above 180 blood sugar
Under 4 years at 120-180 blood sugar
having excess body fat
... 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 96% Confirm
Diabetes II 14% Unlikely
Chronic Renal Insufficiency 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.

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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