What is the Difference Between Boils and Carbuncles?
infected with bacteria. When bacteria enter into the space under the skin where the hair follicles live, the area can become irritated and an infection could result. Boils are much more commonly seen than carbuncles. A boil is a single abscess located deep in the skin within the hair follicle. A carbuncle is much more severe than a single boil. A carbuncle is a bundle of boils involving several hair follicles. Once an infection starts in the hair follicles, our immune system sends white blood cells to fight the infection. During this war on bacteria, white blood cells, dead skin cells and bacteria combine to form thick yellow or white pus. The pressure from the purulent material results in a boil, which can be tender and even painful. Because carbuncles, also known as fernicles, are many boils in one, they are often much more painful than a single boil. Carbuncles have many ports, openings, because they involve many hair follicles. Boils and carbuncles can happen anywhere on the body,
