Carbuncle Symptoms, Causes & More
Article Sources
- 1. 'Carbuncle: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.' MedlinePlus, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000825.htm
- 2. 'Boils and carbuncles.' Mayo Clinic, [www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/boils-and-carbuncles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353770.](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/boils-and-carbuncles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353770.)
- 3. Folliculitis, Boils and Carbuncles.' Loma Linda University Health, lluh.org/conditions/folliculitis-boils-and-carbuncles
- 4. 'Furuncles and Carbuncles - Dermatologic Disorders.' Merck Manuals Professional Edition, www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/bacterial-skin-infections/furuncles-and-carbuncles
Causes
Boils are usually caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which is often found on the skin and inside the nose. When a number of hair follicles are infected by these bacteria, a carbuncle is formed.
The body's immune system then sends white blood cells to the affected area to combat the infection. Several heads of pus form on the carbuncle, as it is constituted of many boils that are tightly packed together.2‘Boils and carbuncles.’ Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/boils-and-carbuncles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353770.
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