Symptoms

Boils are distinguishable from carbuncles by their smaller size, by their conical shape, inflamed base, and tendency to form matter at the point. Beneath the matter is a portion of dead tissue, or "core".

Carbuncle is a large and flattened compound boil, without the tendency to present a conical point. A carbuncle tends to form matter, and opens at various parts of its surface. At these points the skin gives way, presenting a riddled aspect, gradually running into one sore. The inflamed base of a carbuncle extends wider than that of a boil, and has a harder feel, resembling indeed the consistence of brawn.

The pain of a carbuncle is often very severe. The constitutional disturbance is marked by a low state of the vital powers.

Treatment

A small boil requires no treatment beyond protection from friction, by diachylon or soap plaster. If, however, it be large, inflamed, and painful, water dressing or warm poultices should be applied, until the core has sloughed out. It should then be dressed with zinc ointment.

A carbuncle should, in the first instance, be kept well covered with the water dressing protected by oil silk, until the surface begins to give way, and presents numerous small yellow points of matter; it should then be dressed with strips of lint smeared with the yellow basilicon ointment, covered outside with linen, moistened with Condy's fluid or carbolic oil, if there be any offensive odour. After the slough of dead tissue beneath the skin has separated, the sore may be dressed with zinc ointment.

The diet should be full and nutritious, with a moderate allowance of stimulants.

The medicines that will be useful will be quinine, compound tincture of bark, muriated tincture of iron, etc.