What is a carbuncle?

A carbuncle is a coalescence of several inflamed follicles into a single inflammatory mass with purulent drainage from multiple follicles • Furuncles and carbuncles are a subtype of abscesses, which preferentially occur in skin areas containing hair follicles exposed to friction and perspiration Common areas include the back of the neck, face, axillae, and buttocks • Usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus • Patients are commonly treated with oral antibiotics • For a solitary small furuncle: warm compresses to promote drainage may be sufficient • For larger furuncles and carbuncles: manage as you would an abscess