A carbuncle is a pus-filled painful cluster of boils that appear red and swollen. Carbuncles are caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus that cause infection by entering the skin through a hair follicle, small scrape or puncture and sometimes there is no obvious point of entry. An active boil or carbuncle is contagious which may spread to other parts of the body or may affect other people when comes in contact with the infection. A Carbuncle is more likely developed on the hairy area of the body as back or nape of the neck, but possible can develop in any area of the body as buttocks, thighs, groin, and armpits. The risk factors for carbuncles are chronic skin conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or any condition that weakens the immune system.
Some of the symptoms of carbuncle: