Carbuncle

A carbuncle is a cluster of boils, medically called furuncles, occurring together in one area of skin, formed when the infection of several adjacent hair follicles merges into a single larger, deeper mass. Like an individual boil it is most often caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and presents as a painful, swollen, red area with an accumulation of pus and dead tissue, but because it involves multiple follicles a carbuncle is typically larger than a single boil and drains through more than one opening onto the skin surface. Severe cases can bring fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue in addition to the local swelling and pain. Recurrent boils and carbuncles are linked to diabetes, obesity, a weakened immune system, malnutrition, and family history, and poor hygiene increases susceptibility. Most resolve within about two weeks with appropriate care, though complications including scarring, deeper abscess formation, and spread of the infection into the bloodstream can occur in more severe cases.