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Carbuncle
A carbuncle is an area of septic inflammation below the skin and in this way differs from a boil which is definitely in the skin. This is more serious as the opportunity for the inflammatory process to spread in all directions is much greater and septic absorption is more likely to occur. Thus a large area may be involved, with the production of a raised plateau-like swelling as distinct from the cone-shaped swelling of a boil. Sooner or later the overlying skin
will become inflamed too and break down in spots, which show up yellow in the purplish affected skin, and discharge pus.
A carbuncle is a more serious affair than a boil and expert medical care will be called for, not only in the matter of treatment, but also in the investigation of any general systemic disease that may be present, such as diabetes mellitus. Treatment formerly was in the main surgical, but more conservative methods are now employed. As in the case of boils the "similar remedy" will be effective, notably ANTHRACINUM, TARANTULA CUBENSIS, or LACHESIS.
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