Title: Furunculus

Identifier: LL02.49.00.37   (https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/21143)

Description: Dermatologic stereoview card. Front of card depicts a young male with furunclus or boil on his face and neck. The reverse of the card describes the dermatologic conditions as well as the diagnosis and treatment. Boil or furunculus is an acute, deep seated, circumscribed inflammation about a skin gland or hair follicle, causing a round or acuminated, red and very painful firm elevation of the skin that usually undergoes purulent softening and expels a necrotic plug or core. The pain of a boil is due to the tension of the exudate and subsides with the escape of the pus, but may recur if the opening is allowed to close by crusting and the pus to reaccumulate and distend the cavity. An essential part of the local treatment was the prevention of autoinoculation with the pus. Preparations such as salicylic acid ointment, moist boric acid compresses, aqua hydro genii dioxide as well as a suction cup were recommended for use. Absolute cleanliness was ordered. Furunculus may also be known as Furuncle or Boil.