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™