Carbuncles Explained With Causes & Treatments

Monderma

Oliver Belcher

12 Jun 2025

Clusters of boils form carbuncles
Bacteria enter deeper skin layers
Symptoms include swelling and pain
Care focuses on hygiene and review
Support options available at Monderma

Carbuncles are painful clusters of boils that many people notice during periods of skin stress, and they often arise when bacteria enter deeper layers of skin [1,2,3].

In this article we explain what causes carbuncles, how they present, and why early care helps reduce discomfort, complications, and recurrence.

What Are Carbuncles?

Carbuncles develop when several hair follicles become infected at the same time, creating swollen, pus filled nodules that sit deeper within the skin [1,2,4].

Boils & Carbuncles Compared

Boils involve a single inflamed follicle, while carbuncles represent a wider infection affecting several nearby follicles with greater depth and discomfort [1,2,4].

Causes Of Carbuncles

Staphylococcus aureus commonly triggers these infections, including strains linked with MRSA or PVL producing bacteria [2,4,5]. This organism may live harmlessly on skin until entry points appear [3,4].

Factors That Increase Risk

Factor	Description
Poor Hygiene	Limited cleansing allows bacteria to multiply [2,3].
Weakened Immunity	Diabetes or other conditions reduce defence [2,3].
Skin Issues	Acne or eczema create openings for bacteria [3].
Close Contact	Sharing items increases spread risk [2,3].
Age	More common in teens and young adults [2,3].

Table 1: Contributing factors for carbuncles

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Carbuncles appear as red, tender, swollen masses with several drainage points. Some people experience fever or fatigue, and complications such as cellulitis may occur [1,3,4].

Doctors diagnose mainly through clinical appearance, and cultures may be taken in recurrent or severe cases to guide care [2,3,4].

Treatment Approaches

Treatment	Description
Home Care	Warm compresses may localise infection and support drainage. Good hygiene lowers spread risk [2,3,4].
Medical Care	Incision and drainage help larger carbuncles. Antibiotics may be needed when symptoms are spreading or systemic [1,4,5].
Monitoring	Rapid or recurrent cases need prompt review [1,4].

Table 2: Treatment options

Preventing Carbuncles

Prevention focuses on regular cleansing to reduce bacterial load, avoiding shared personal items, and managing chronic conditions to support skin resilience [3,4].

Skin injuries benefit from gentle cleaning, covering, and ongoing care to prevent bacterial entry. Some recurrent cases may require decolonisation strategies [4,5].

Related Skin Conditions

Folliculitis or hidradenitis suppurativa may look similar at early stages, yet carbuncles are distinguished by depth, pus formation, and the likelihood of systemic symptoms [1,3,4].

Conclusion

Carbuncles can be uncomfortable, but prompt attention, proper hygiene, and appropriate medical care help minimise complications and support faster healing. Understanding triggers and early signs is key to preventing recurrence.

If you would like personalised skincare designed around your own needs, you can explore a tailored formula through Monderma.

References

Content is for informational purposes only. Monderma treatments are prescribed following consultation. Results and timeframes can vary. Use as directed by your prescriber.