Carbuncles

Carbuncle is a cluster of boils that are connected to each other. Boils are painful, pus-filled, red bumps that form onto the skin due to bacterial infection. They originate at the hair follicles due to inflammation caused by bacteria.

Boils usually occur on the hairy areas of the body, especially on the face, neck, armpits, buttocks and thighs. They grow larger until they rupture to drain the pus, at times leaving behind a scar. Carbuncle is caused by the bacteria, Staphylococcus Aureus, which is commonly found on the skin and inside the nose.  It may also develop on a cut in the skin, providing easy passage for the bacteria to enter.

Normal healthy people can get affected by carbuncle, but certain risk factors increase the chances of contracting the disease. These include close contact with someone with boils, weakened immunity, chronic skin conditions that damage the skin’s protective barrier, diabetes and overall poor hygiene and health.

When to seek expert advise

A single boil isn’t a cause for concern and can be treated at home. However, it is not advisable to rupture the boil on your own as it can spread the infection.

In case of carbuncle or a boil that persists, recurs, causes a fever and is especially painful, consult a medical practitioner immediately. You can seek the advice of one of our doctors at the Department of Dentistry at The Aga Khan University Hospital the only internationally accredited hospital in Pakistan.​