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Furuncle - Overview

Alternative Names

Infection - hair follicle; Hair follicle infection; Boils

Definition of Furuncle:

A furuncle (boil) is a skin infection involving an entire hair follicle and nearby skin tissue.

See also: Carbunculosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Furuncles are very common. Furuncles are generally caused by Staphylococcus aureus, but they may be caused by other bacteria or fungi found on the skin's surface. Damage to the hair follicle allows these bacteria to enter deeper into the tissues of the follicle and the subcutaneous tissue.

Furuncles may occur in the hair follicles anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, neck, armpit, buttocks, and thighs. Furuncles can be single or multiple.

  • Reviewed last on: 10/28/2008
  • Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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