Boils in the neck

definition

When bacteria penetrate deep into the hairline, they can cause unpleasant inflammation in the hair follicle.
If the inflammation continues, as pus forms and accumulates in a capsule, it is a boil. The boil can initially be limited to a hair follicle. As the inflammation spreads, a boil can grow several inches in size.

Read more on the topic: Abscess in the neck

Causes of a boil in the neck

One of the most common bacteria that can cause hair follicle inflammation is Staphylococcus aureus. This pathogen colonizes the mucous membranes of many people and can be spread from there. Through contact with the nose, for example, where the bacterium actually settles, it can also get onto other skin areas through a smear infection with the hand. Often boils appear on the face, neck, and buttocks.
These areas of skin are often provided with small, fine hairs. They then penetrate the skin surface along the hair shaft into the depth of the hair follicle. In the warm environment, the pathogens can multiply optimally and ultimately cause an inflammatory reaction. Furthermore, the pathogen can also be passed on from person to person through a smear infection. Other diseases, such as the metabolic disease diabetes mellitus ("diabetes") and the skin disease neurodermatitis, can promote the development of a boil. Drugs that additionally weaken the immune system, such as the steroid hormone cortisone, can also promote inflammation, as the body cannot muster enough defenses against the invading pathogens. In addition, poor personal hygiene can promote boils, abscesses and the spread of germs, making infections more common under these conditions.

Please also read our article on this Rash on the neck

Symptoms of a boil in the neck

A boil in the neck initially has the same symptoms as a boil elsewhere. The typical signs of inflammation appear, such as reddening, swelling, overheating and pain. The reddening can be different and different in size. Since the inflammation is initially deep in the skin, swelling does not necessarily have to be visible. It can only be seen when the pus accumulation in the boil is large enough that it penetrates to the surface.
The pus formation often creates a feeling of pressure. A yellowish-brown incrustation can sometimes be seen externally. Because of the pus formation, the area around the boil in the neck can also be sensitive to pressure. The pain may or may not occur. They depend on the size of the boil and the severity of the inflammation.
In addition to the locally occurring symptoms, general disease symptoms can also occur. These complaints include, on the one hand, an increase in body temperature; on the other hand, the bacteria can spread to the nearest lymph nodes via the lymphatic system. Spreading to the lymphatic region can cause inflammation of the lymph nodes. For example, so-called lymphangitis can spread from the neck to the neck region or to the armpits (Read more about this: Lymphangitis - How Dangerous Is It?). The lymph nodes in the neck then swell and can be painful and tender.
In rare cases, the pathogens can also be carried into the bloodstream and lead to blood poisoning. This sepsis can be accompanied by a high fever and drowsiness. It is therefore important that a treatment that is carried out by the patient is always carried out under very hygienic conditions. If the symptoms do not improve, a doctor should be consulted early on.

Neck pain as a symptom

Boils, which are often referred to as "pimples" because of their appearance, occur when a hair follicle becomes inflamed. In contrast to a simple inflammation of the hair follicle, which is also known as folliculitis, a boil has a central fusion with pus and a hard core.

A typical location for a boil is the neck region. Such boils are also called in medical terminology nuchal boils designated. Boils are typically painful and therefore can cause neck pain as well.
Unlike muscular pain, which often feels like pulling and tensioning, boils lead to a precisely localizable, throbbing pain. The pain worsens when the boil is touched or even squeezed. Boils in the neck can lead to spontaneous evacuation of pus, which leads to relief and improvement of the pain. The boil should not be touched unnecessarily.

You should absolutely refrain from pressing the boil on the neck, as this can cause dangerous infections. Pain relief can be achieved if necessary through local cooling.

Boils on the hairline

Boils typically form near hair. They are very common on the face, neck area, hairline and buttocks. They are caused by germs that penetrate along the hair deep into the hair roots. Even the smallest injuries are enough and the bacteria trigger an inflammatory reaction. A harmless pimple and nodule will initially develop there. Eventually, as the inflammation continues, a collection of pus may form. Then there is a near the hair follicle encapsulated nodule to feel. In this case, it is called a boil. The accumulation of pus creates pressure under the skin and the inflammation can now also cause unpleasant pain. Frequent sweating and poor hygiene, especially at the hairline, can promote the development of boils.

Treatment of a boil in the neck

Boils in the head area as well as in the neck should first be examined and treated by a doctor in order to ultimately reduce the risk of spreading the bacteria.
In addition to pull ointments such as Ichtholan®, which accelerate the development process of a boil and thus also cause faster healing, classic ointments containing antibiotics can also be used.

Read more about the topic: Ointment for a boil

The boil opens quickly due to the pull ointment. The pus drains and the healing process can begin. The open wound should be covered with clean, preferably sterile plasters so that the infectious pus is not carried over.
Another treatment option is opening the boil. This method is carried out by a doctor under hygienic conditions. Often a boil is only opened early if it is very large, does not open spontaneously and causes great pain to the patient. Here, too, the wound is then disinfected, rinsed and given a sterile bandage.

Read more on the subject at: Operation of a boil

Anti-inflammatory ointments or medication can also be taken. This includes, for example, cortisone, a steroid hormone. Various pain relievers can be taken to relieve the pain. Paracetamol or ibuprofen help reduce pain quickly.

Read more on this topic at: Treatment of a boil