Which is the mainstay treatment for furuncles and carbuncles?

The mainstay treatment for furuncles and carbuncles is incision and drainage. These skin infections are typically caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, leading to the formation of painful lumps filled with pus. While antibiotics might be necessary in more severe or systemic cases, the primary approach to treating such localized infections is to relieve pressure and facilitate drainage of the pus.

Incision and drainage not only helps in alleviating pain and discomfort but also allows for the thorough evacuation of the infectious material, which can promote healing more effectively than antibiotics alone. In many cases, especially when the abscess is small and uncomplicated, patients may not require antibiotics after drainage unless there are signs of systemic infection, the patient is immunocompromised, or there are recurrent episodes.

Other options like topical mupirocin are typically used for localized superficial skin infections, cold compresses may provide symptomatic relief but do not address the underlying infection, and oral antibiotics are not the first line of treatment unless there are specific complications or systemic involvement. Thus, incision and drainage stands out as the definitive treatment for furuncles and carbuncles.