Risk factors of recurrent furunculosis.

This is a case control study of recurrent versus non-recurrent furunculosis. The aim was to identify the risk factors and causative micro-organisms associated with recurrence of furunculosis. Data was collected through an anonymous questionnaire. Weight and height were measured to calculate body mass index and a specimen was drawn from a lesion for culture. A nasal swab was taken to identify nasal Staphylococcus aureus carriers. Staphylococcus aureus was the causative organism in 89 percent and 100 percent of recurrent and non-recurrent furuncles, respectively. No significant difference was detected in resistance to the commonly used antibiotics. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the most important independent predictor of recurrence was a positive family history. The other independent predictors were anemia, previous antibiotic therapy, diabetes mellitus, previous hospitalization, multiplicity of lesions, personal hygiene and associated skin diseases. Nearly all these risk factors are modifiable, preventable, and/or controllable by simple measures such as sound personal hygiene and a balanced diet. Further research is needed to study if the same organism is implicated in recurrent cases and to test the feasibility as well as cost-benefit of prophylactic use of antibiotics. It is not advisable to use antibiotics to clear nasal carrier of S. aureus in our culture with the large number of possible sources of re-infection other than nasal nares.