Our skin acts as a barrier to the outside world. At times this barrier is breached and an inflammatory process will begin under the skin. Our body tries to wall off this area of inflammation and occasionally cannot resolve it on its own. Although boils are very common, large boils and clusters of boils, referred to as carbuncles, need to be seen by a doctor. Our doctor can also help you determine if it is a cyst or a boil.

When this occurs, the area can become infected with bacteria. This can lead to a painful hot area that can either drain a pus like substance or become encapsulated under the skin. These can be treated with injections, incision and drainage, excisions, or monitored if they are non-infected and asymptomatic. Boils typically heal within 1 to 3 weeks but a carbuncle will require a more intense treatment and longer healing time.

Folliculitis is inflammation and generally, superficial infection of the hair follicles. It is characterized by red bumps and pustules. It may be caused by bacteria (most common staph aureus), or fungi, viruses, or parasites.

Furuncle (aka boil) is an infection under the skin that causes a painful, pus-filled nodule. It involves the hair follicles and usually occurs in high-friction areas such as the neck, underarms, groin, between thighs, and buttocks.

Carbuncle is a several inflamed follicles into a single inflammatory mass.

Abscess is a collection of pus in the deeper skin tissues. It is typically painful, tender, and red. Generally these require incision and drainage of the abscess and antibiotics for treatment.

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin with or without abscess. It occurs when bacterial enters the skin when the skin barrier is compromised (such as trauma, skin inflammation, swelling, and obesity). It results in redness, warmth, and tenderness.

Treatments may include topical and/or oral antibiotics, warm compresses, intralesional steroids to reduce inflammation, and/or incision and drainage. A culture may also be obtained