They are much deeper and more severe than a single boil.
Boils and carbuncles form when bacteria on the surface of the skin invade hair follicles.
Carbuncles need to drain before they can heal.
Graphicscoco / Getty Images
This can happen on their own or require drainage treatment through a healthcare provider.
Graphicscoco / Getty Images
How It Forms
Carbuncles form under the skin in stages.
The pus will begin to put pressure on the growth until it ruptures and drains.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
The pus will drain from several points on the carbuncle.
These growths affect the deep layers of the skin and can be so severe they lead to scarring.
Where Do Carbuncles Typically Form?
What Does a Carbuncle Look Like?
The way a carbuncle appears will change over time.
A small dome-shaped bump is the first visual manifestation of the infection, which then increases in size.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
If you live with someone or care for someone with anS.
aureusinfection or who has carbuncles themselves, its essential to take precautions to avoid contracting the illness.
In some cases, the growth will rupture and drain on its own within two weeks of its development.
However, those that are deeper may not do so independently and require the help of a healthcare provider.
They may also take a bacterial culture to help identify what caused it.
Doing so can worsen the infection or spread it to other areas.
Scarring is possible with carbuncles; however, it depends on their size.
The risk of scarring increases if a carbuncle is deeper, requires medical intervention, or is exceptionally large.
University of Florida Health.Carbuncle.
2022;3(3):153-159. doi:10.36518/2689-0216.1431
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles.
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013099
Merck Manuals.Furuncles and carbuncles.
NI Direct.Boils and carbuncles.
Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School.Boils and carbuncles.
