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Carbuncle

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Definition:

A carbuncle is a skin infection that often involves a group of hair follicles. The infected material forms a lump, called mass, which occurs deep in the skin.

When you have more than one carbuncle, the condition is called carbunculosis.

See also: Skin lesion

Alternative Names:

Skin infection - staphylococcal; Infection - skin - staph; Staph skin infection; Carbunculosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Most carbuncles are caused by the bacteria staphylococcus aureus . The infection is contagious and may spread to other areas of the body or other people.

A carbuncle is made up of several skin boils ( furuncles ). The infected mass is filled with fluid, pus, and dead tissue. Fluid may drain out of the carbuncle, but sometimes the mass is so deep that it cannot drain on its own.

Carbuncles may develop anywhere, but they are most common on the back and the nape of the neck. Men get carbuncles more often than women.

Because the condition is contagious, several family members may develop carbuncles at the same time. Often, the direct cause of a carbuncle cannot be determined.

Things that make carbuncle infections more likely include:

• Friction from clothing or shaving
• Poor hygiene
• Poor overall health

Persons with diabetes, dermatitis, and weakened immune systems are more likely to develop staph infections.

References:

Cohen J, Powderly WG. Infectious Diseases . 2nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier; 2004.

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology . 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004.

Lopez FA. Skin and soft tissue infections. Infect Dis Clin North Am . Dec 2006; 20(4): 759-72, v-vi.

• Review Date: 4/12/2007
• Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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