Furunculosis (Boils)
Furunculosis is a skin condition characterized by the presence of multiple boils or abscesses on the skin. Boils, also known as furuncles, are painful, pus-filled lumps that develop in hair follicles. These skin lesions are typically caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly by Staphylococcus aureus.
What do I need to know?
You are cleared to get back on the mats 3 days from initiation of treatment given your rash is improving and there are NO pustules, it is NOT oozing or weeping, NO new lesions have formed, and all lesions are scabbed over or healed. SEE PRECAUTIONS BELOW.
Signs of improvement include decreased redness, improvement of pain, improvement of pustules, and a decrease in the size of the rash.
Until the rash is completely healed, you are required to keep the rash covered while back on the Mats with secure bandage and wrap.
If the rash spreads and becomes more painful or if you develop a fever, chills, or night sweats, then you should go to the emergency room for treatment.
Oral Treatment
Doxycycline 100mg
Prescription Treatment.
Take one tablet twice daily for 7 days.
If not taken after a large meal, doxycycline can make you nauseas and vomit. You should not lay down 2 hours after taking this medication as it can cause upset stomach. In addition, this medication can make you more sensitive to the sun and make you more prone to burning. Less common and rarer side effects include GI disturbances, esophagitis, glossitis, headache, hemolytic anemia, hepatotoxicity, intracranial hypertension, nausea, neutropenia, pericarditis, serum sickness, skin rashes, hives, and pancreatitis.
Use sun protection measures while on this medication.
Topical Treatment
Mupirocin 2% Ointment
Prescription Treatment.
Apply to the affected area three times daily for 1-2 weeks until the rash resolves. This ointment is an anti-bacterial.
This topical ointment is generally safe to use as directed. Rare side effects can include rash, allergic reaction, redness, anyphylaxis, and C diff infection.
Your physician may have prescribed you another medication that isn’t on this page. You can search our site for the prescribed medication in the search bar. Please use the medication as directed – your physician may likely be treating a secondary symptom of your rash.
We recommend a followup visit in 1 week. Follow the link in your email to submit a followup visit for review by your doctor. If you have any questions about your treatment you can email our medical team and reach your physician at [email protected]
