From the Guidelines
Carbuncles are characterized by a coalescent inflammatory mass with pus draining from multiple follicular orifices, typically developing on the back of the neck, especially in individuals with diabetes.
Key History Findings
- The patient may report a history of furuncles or recurrent skin infections 1
- Diabetes is a common comorbidity in patients with carbuncles 1
- The patient may have a history of close personal contact with others who have similar infections, or inadequate personal hygiene 1
Key Examination Findings
- A coalescent inflammatory mass with pus draining from multiple follicular orifices is characteristic of a carbuncle 1
- The lesion is typically larger and deeper than a furuncle 1
- Fever or other evidence of systemic infection may be present, especially if the infection is severe or the patient has markedly impaired host defenses 1
- The lesion is usually located on the back of the neck 1
From the Research
Key History Findings
- A carbuncle is a painful subcutaneous mass of interconnected infected hair follicles with multiple discharging sinuses 2
- It has a predisposition in conditions like diabetes, immune-compromised states, chronic skin diseases, etc. 2, 3
- Carbuncle can occur in various parts of the body, including the neck, back, and other areas with thicker skin 3
Key Examination Findings
- A carbuncle presents as a suppurative infection of adjacent multiple hair follicles and their surrounding tissues, mostly caused by Staphylococcus aureus 3
- It can spread to the subcutaneous tissue and cause extensive subcutaneous infection 3
- Examination may reveal a large, painful, and inflamed mass with multiple discharging sinuses 2, 4
- Ultrasound, urographic, arteriographic, and clinical findings can aid in the diagnosis of a renal carbuncle (cortical abscess) 5
Other Relevant Findings
- Carbuncle can be treated with various methods, including surgical incision and drainage, debridement, and dressing change 2, 3, 4
- Traditional Chinese medicine therapy based on fire needles combined with topical drugs can be an effective treatment for early carbuncle 3
- Non-surgical treatment with antibiotics alone may be curative in some cases, such as renal carbuncle 5