What is the treatment for folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles?
The specific treatment for folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles will be determined by the child’s physician based on the following criteria: • The child’s age, overall health, and medical history • Extent of the condition • The child’s tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies • Expectations for the course of the condition • Child or parent’s opinion or preference Treatment may include: • Topical antibiotics (for folliculitis) • A warm compress to help promote drainage of the lesion (for carbuncles and boils) • Oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics (to treat the infection) • Possible removal of the boils and carbuncles Carbuncles heal more slowly than a single boil. Keeping the skin clean helps to prevent these conditions from occurring.
