If the infection involves a single hair follicle, it’s called a furuncle, which is the medical term for a boil. When a person has multiple carbuncles, it’s a condition known as Carbunculosis.
Carbuncles can actually be spread from person to person or from 1 area of your body to another because the S. aureus bacteria is super contagious.
The friction and cuts from shaving can also increase your risk.
The infection can also sometimes cause red streaks to form in the skin around the carbuncle.
Don’t try to squeeze or pop the carbuncle like a pimple! You could actually make it worse.
Keep doing this until the carbuncle drains. Then, keep the area clean, dry, and covered until it heals completely—which could take several weeks. [13] X Expert Source Lydia Shedlofsky, DODermatologist Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic ointment you can apply directly to the carbuncle to help fight off the infection. You can also get a secondary infection once the carbuncle opens, so it’s a good idea to have it evaluated by your doctor regardless. [15] X Expert Source Lydia Shedlofsky, DODermatologist Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
Your doctor may also prescribe you an antibiotic to help you fight the infection. [21] X Expert Source Lydia Shedlofsky, DODermatologist Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
