Carbuncle vs. Furuncle — What's the Difference?

A deep. interconnected cluster of boils.

A single. pus-filled bump.

Requires medical treatment.

Leads to localized pain and swelling.

Can cause systemic symptoms.

May require antibiotics if severe.

Indicates a more extensive skin infection.

Can resolve with home care.

Associated with significant discomfort.

Often caused by staphylococcal bacteria.

A carbuncle is a cluster of boils caused by bacterial infection, most commonly with Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The presence of a carbuncle is a sign that the immune system is active and fighting the infection.

See boil2.

A painful localized bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue that usually has several openings through which pus is discharged.

(pathology) A boil or infected, inflamed, pus-filled sore.

A red precious stone, especially a deep-red garnet cut as a cabochon.

A superficial, inflammatory tumor, suppurating with a central core; a boil.

A mythical gemstone said to emit light even in total darkness.

A painful sore with a hard pus-filled core

(archaic) A deep-red or fiery colored garnet or other dark red precious stone, especially when cut cabochon.

(heraldry) A charge or bearing supposed to represent the precious stone, with eight sceptres or staves radiating from a common centre; an escarbuncle.

(pathology) An abscess larger than a boil, usually with one or more openings draining pus onto the skin. It is usually caused by staphylococcal infection.

An unpopular or ugly building; an eyesore.

A beautiful gem of a deep red color (with a mixture of scarlet) called by the Greeks anthrax; found in the East Indies. When held up to the sun, it loses its deep tinge, and becomes of the color of burning coal. The name belongs for the most part to ruby sapphire, though it has been also given to red spinel and garnet.

A very painful acute local inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue, esp. of the trunk or back of the neck, characterized by brawny hardness of the affected parts, sloughing of the skin and deeper tissues, and marked constitutional depression. It differs from a boil in size, tendency to spread, and the absence of a central core, and is frequently fatal. It is also called anthrax.

A charge or bearing supposed to represent the precious stone. It has eight scepters or staves radiating from a common center. Called also escarbuncle.

Deep-red cabochon-cut garnet cut without facets

An infection larger than a boil and with several openings for discharge of pus

A carbuncle is a severe skin infection forming a large abscess made up of interconnecting furuncles.

Furuncles are commonly caused by staphylococcal bacteria infecting a hair follicle.

A furuncle, or boil, is an infection of a single hair follicle, leading to a pus-filled bump.

It is caused by bacterial infection, usually Staphylococcus aureus, that spreads among multiple hair follicles.

Yes, both can spread if bacteria enter other areas of the skin or are transmitted to others.

The infection can spread, leading to more severe health complications.

Treatment may include antibiotics and surgical drainage to remove the infection.

Individuals with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or poor hygiene are at increased risk.

Symptoms include a large, painful mass, fever, and fatigue due to the infection.

Many furuncles can be treated with warm compresses, though antibiotics may be needed for severe cases.

Yes, carbuncles are generally more severe, requiring more comprehensive treatment.

While furuncles may resolve with home care, carbuncles often require medical evaluation and treatment.

A carbuncle is a larger, interconnected cluster of boils, while a furuncle is a single, isolated bump.

Good hygiene and proper care of cuts or abrasions can reduce the risk of developing these infections.

Symptoms are localized pain, redness, and swelling around a single hair follicle.