The carbuncle is a skin infection that consists of a bunch of boils connected to one another under the skin. The bacteria causing it are usually Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, which enters the skin through hair follicles, cuts, and bites. Carbuncles are often red, swollen, painful, and filled with pus. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found at the back of the neck, shoulders, thighs, and buttocks. A carbuncle is contagious and can lead to complications if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to know how to prevent, recognize, and treat one.
Staph bacteria live on the surface of the skin, nose, mouth, or in moist areas of the body and cause carbuncles. Infection can occur through a hair follicle, a small scrape, or a puncture, although sometimes there is no obvious entry point. Infection can spread to other hair follicles, causing pus to form under the skin. It contains dead bacteria, white blood cells, and skin cells.
Some factors that can increase the risk of developing a carbuncle include:
Older age
Obesity
Poor hygiene
Diabetes
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Weakened immune system
Chronic skin conditions
Friction or irritation from clothing, shaving, or insect bites
A carbuncle is characterized by a red, swollen, and painful lump under the skin that may contain a pus-filled head. There may be one or more pus-filled heads in the lump. The pus may drain on its own or may need to be drained by a doctor. The carbuncle may also cause:
Itching before the lump appears
Fever and chills
Fatigue and malaise
Skin crustiness or oozing
A carbuncle usually takes longer to heal than a single boil, and may leave a scar.
It is usually possible for a doctor to diagnose a carbuncle from the skin. A pus sample can also be taken for lab analysis to determine the bacteria and the best antibiotic to treat it. To check for conditions that may increase the risk of carbuncles, such as diabetes, the doctor may order blood or urine tests.
The treatment of a carbuncle depends on its size, location, and severity. Some possible treatments include:
Infections on the face or near the spine are typically treated with antibiotics, which kill bacteria and prevent the infection from spreading. Antibiotics may be taken orally or applied topically to the skin.
During drainage, a small cut is made on the skin and pus is squeezed out. The carbuncle may be drained by a doctor or at home, depending on its size and location. Afterward, the wound is cleaned and bandaged with sterile material to relieve pain and speed up healing.
This procedure involves removing the entire carbuncle and some of the surrounding tissue. Surgery may be required for large or deep carbuncles that do not respond to other treatments. Surgery may leave a larger scar than drainage.
To prevent carbuncles, it is important to practice good hygiene and avoid spreading the infection. Some preventive measures include:
Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Keeping the skin clean and dry, especially in areas prone to sweating or friction
Avoiding sharing personal items such as towels, razors, clothing, or bedding with others
Covering any cuts or scrapes with a clean bandage until they heal
Seeking medical attention for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or pus
Boosting the immune system by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress
If you have a carbuncle or suspect you have one, consult your doctor for the best course of action. Carbuncles are painful and unpleasant skin infections that anyone can get. However, with proper care and attention, carbuncles can be prevented and treated.
