Furuncle: Boils

Boils, also known as furunculosis, are painful skin infections caused by bacteria that infect hair follicles. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and prevention. Clinical features Furuncle: red, warm, painful nodule with a central pustule, usually around a hair follicle. It becomes fluctuant, discharges a core of purulent exudate, and leaves a depressed scar. It occurs most frequently on the thighs, groin, buttocks, armpits, neck and back. There is no fever. Carbuncle: a cluster of interconnected furuncles, sometimes with fever and peripheral lymphadenopathy. It leaves a depressed scar. A furuncle (abscess) forms when a hair follicle and the skin surrounding it become infected. A carbuncle is made up of multiple furuncles, and goes much deeper into the skin. Furuncles and carbuncles are usually caused by bacteria. What increases my risk for furunculosis and carbunculosis? Contact with someone who has furunculosis or carbunculosis A boil is a contagious skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. At first, the skin turns red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. After 4-7 days, the lump...