Another Name for a Boil
A boil is medically termed a furuncle. 1
Definition and Characteristics
Furuncles (boils) are infections of the hair follicle, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus, in which suppuration extends through the dermis into the subcutaneous tissue, where a small abscess forms 1, 2
They differ from folliculitis, in which inflammation is more superficial and pus remains in the epidermis 1
Each lesion consists of an inflammatory nodule and an overlying pustule through which hair emerges 1
Furuncles can occur anywhere on hairy skin 1
Related Terminology
When infection extends to involve several adjacent follicles, producing a coalescent inflammatory mass with pus draining from multiple follicular orifices, the lesion is called a carbuncle 1, 2
Carbuncles tend to develop on the back of the neck and are especially likely to occur in diabetic persons 1, 2
Clinical Context
The term "furuncle" is the formal medical terminology used in clinical practice guidelines and medical literature, while "boil" is the common lay term for the same condition 1, 3, 2. Both terms are used interchangeably in medical documentation, though "furuncle" appears more frequently in formal clinical guidelines and research publications 1, 4, 5.