Is a Carbuncle the Same as a Boil?

Carbuncles: What Are They and How Do They Form?

Carbuncle Formation Under Skin

A carbuncle is a dome-shaped grouping of large and painful boils (swollen, irritated bumps) that form together to create a larger area of infection. They are much deeper and more severe than a single boil. Boils and carbuncles form when bacteria on the surface of the skin invade hair follicles.

The Bacterial Infection Most Likely to Cause a Carbuncle

The bacterial infection most likely to cause a carbuncle to form is Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), but other risk factors can also play a role in its development.

What Are the Symptoms of a Carbuncle?

The way a carbuncle appears will change over time. A small dome-shaped bump is the first visual manifestation of the infection, which then increases in size. Once it gets bigger, the appearance will change to develop a white or yellow center that looks similar to a pimple with a white head. The skin on the carbuncle may also crust, weep, or ooze, and if the infection spreads to other skin areas, it can cause redness or other discoloration, swelling, and irritation in the area.

Accompanying Symptoms

Other symptoms you may experience if you have a carbuncle include:

• Painful, swollen, and red skin
• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• General feeling of being unwell

Where Do Carbuncles Typically Form?

Carbuncles can occur anywhere that boils develop, but they are most commonly found on the back, thighs, or the back of the neck.

What Does a Carbuncle Look Like?

The appearance of a carbuncle will change over time. A small dome-shaped bump is the first visual manifestation of the infection, which then increases in size. Once it gets bigger, the appearance will change to develop a white or yellow center that looks similar to a pimple with a white head.

How Do Carbuncles Form?

Carbuncles form under the skin in stages. During the initial formation, a painful bump begins to appear and grows over several days as it fills with pus. It may be pink to red with lighter skin tones or purple, brown, or black with darker skin tones. This bump will be small, like a pea, but it could grow to 2 inches or more, like a golf ball, as it fills with pus. The pus will begin to put pressure on the growth until it ruptures and drains. The pus will drain from several points on the carbuncle.

Conclusion

Carbuncles are a serious skin infection that requires medical attention. If left untreated, they can lead to scarring and further complications. It is essential to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a carbuncle. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection, and in some cases, may need to drain the carbuncle to promote healing.

FAQs

Q: What is a carbuncle?
A: A carbuncle is a large and painful boil that forms when bacteria infect a hair follicle.

Q: What causes a carbuncle?
A: A carbuncle is caused by a bacterial infection, typically Staphylococcus aureus, and can be triggered by other risk factors.

Q: What are the symptoms of a carbuncle?
A: The symptoms of a carbuncle include a painful, swollen, and red area of skin, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Q: Where do carbuncles typically form?
A: Carbuncles can occur anywhere that boils develop, but are most commonly found on the back, thighs, or the back of the neck.

Q: How do carbuncles form?
A: Carbuncles form under the skin in stages, starting with a painful bump that grows over several days as it fills with pus.