Medical Terminology for Pimple Abscess
The medical term for a pimple abscess depends on its anatomical location: a "furuncle" (or "boil") refers to an abscess of a hair follicle, while a "cutaneous abscess" is the broader term for any collection of pus within the dermis and deeper skin tissues. 1
Key Terminology Distinctions
Furuncle (Boil)
- A furuncle is specifically an infection of the hair follicle where suppuration extends through the dermis into the subcutaneous tissue, forming a small abscess 1
- Differs from folliculitis, where inflammation is more superficial and pus remains in the epidermis 1
- Usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus 1, 2
- Consists of an inflammatory nodule with an overlying pustule through which hair emerges 1
Cutaneous Abscess
- Broader term for collections of pus within the dermis and deeper skin tissues 1
- Presents as painful, tender, fluctuant red nodules surrounded by erythematous swelling 1
- Typically polymicrobial, with S. aureus present as a single pathogen in only ~25% of cases 1
Carbuncle
- When infection extends to involve several adjacent follicles, creating a coalescent inflammatory mass with pus draining from multiple follicular orifices 1
- Represents aggregates of interconnected furuncles 3
Important Clinical Distinction
The term "cellulitis" should NOT be used for cutaneous inflammation associated with collections of pus 1. This distinction is clinically crucial because:
- Primary treatment of cellulitis is antimicrobial therapy 1
- Primary treatment of purulent collections (abscesses/furuncles) is drainage, with antibiotics having a subsidiary or unnecessary role 1, 4