Guide To The Types Of Folliculitis

Boils And Carbuncles

Boils and carbuncles are types of folliculitis. Boils occur when a pus-filled and painful bump forms below the skin. They are caused by a bacterial infection of at least one hair follicle, though some boils may involve infections of multiple hair follicles. A carbuncle forms when clusters of boils connect below the skin and form a larger infected area. Most boils begin as tender, red bumps. The bumps swell with pus until they eventually rupture.

The most commonly affected areas with this condition are the armpits, buttocks, thighs, back of the neck, and the face. When a boil forms, there will often be swollen and red skin surrounding the bump. Unlike typical acne, boils swell as they are filled with more pus. They begin red, but then form a whitish-yellow tip that ruptures so that the pus can drain. Carbuncles cause deeper infections and increase an individual's risk of permanent scarring.