A skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus, beginning in adjacent hair FOLLICLES. A tender red lump develops which becomes necrotic (see NECROSIS) centrally with pus formation. A cluster of boils becoming confluent is called a carbuncle. Release of the pus and possibly an antibiotic lead to rapid healing.

Recurrent boils are usually due to a reservoir of staphylococcal bacteria (see STAPHYLOCOCCUS) in a nostril or elsewhere, so an intranasal antibiotic cream may be prescribed. Underlying DIABETES MELLITUS should always be excluded.