What is a carbuncle?

A carbuncle is characterized as an inflammation of tissue under the skin, specifically resulting from a cluster of boils—these are deep pus-filled infections that occur in the hair follicles. It typically develops when the hair follicles become infected with bacteria, leading to the formation of painful lumps. This condition can appear anywhere on the body but is most common on the neck, back, and thighs. The inflammation involves not just the hair follicle but also the surrounding tissue, which contributes to the size and severity of the carbuncle.

The other options refer to different medical conditions or processes. Bacterial infections do play a role in the formation of a carbuncle, but the defining characteristic is the inflammation under the skin rather than solely an infection. Skin allergies involve immune responses to various allergens, which are distinct from the infectious nature of carbuncles. Growth of hair follicles is unrelated; carbuncles occur as a result of existing hair follicles becoming infected rather than being a type of growth. Understanding the underlying causes and manifestations of conditions like carbuncles is essential in the field of cosmetology and dermatology.