How to Recognize and Treat Carbuncles at Home

Co-authored by Lydia Shedlofsky, DO

Last Updated: July 2, 2024 Fact Checked

If you’ve ever had a boil, then you know how painful they can be. Carbuncles are basically a group of boils, but just like a single boil, they can be effectively managed and treated. In fact, they’ll actually clear up on their own eventually, but there’s plenty you can do to help speed up the process.

Question 1 of 7:

Background

Download Article

1
A carbuncle is a skin infection that involves multiple hair follicles. Skin infections can form pockets in your skin that are filled with pus, which is the white fluid you may recognize as whiteheads on pimples. Pus is made of dead skin cells, bacteria, and your own white blood cells fighting the infection. If the pocket of pus is large and involves multiple hair follicles in a single location on your skin, then it’s called a carbuncle.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}
- If the infection involves a single hair follicle, it’s called a furuncle, which is the medical term for a boil.
- When a person has multiple carbuncles, it’s a condition known as Carbunculosis.
While carbuncles can technically occur anywhere on your skin, they’re often found in specific locations. Usually, carbuncles form on the nape, or back of your neck, your upper back and shoulders, or your thighs.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Question 2 of 7:

Causes

Download Article

1
Staphylococcus aureus is the common cause. If the bacteria are able to penetrate your skin, it can cause an infection in your hair follicles and form a carbuncle. S. aureus can enter your skin through a bunch of different ways such as a cut or through close contact with someone who has the bacteria.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source

MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine

Go to source}
- Carbuncles can actually be spread from person to person or from 1 area of your body to another because the S. aureus bacteria is super contagious.
Diabetes can make it more difficult for your body to fight off infections, including bacterial infections. So if you have diabetes, you’re at a greater risk of developing skin problems like carbuncles.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source

Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public

Go to source}
3
Poor hygiene and poor health can increase your risk. A weakened immune system can increase your risk of developing infections. If you’re already sick or immuno-suppressed because of another medical condition, you have a greater chance of getting carbuncles. Additionally, if you don’t wash or clean your skin regularly, you can more easily spread the bacteria that causes carbuncles.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}
- The friction and cuts from shaving can also increase your risk.
Middle-aged and elderly men are more likely to have weaker immune systems and may be more prone to developing infections. Because of this, they’re at a greater risk of developing skin infections such as carbuncles.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}
If bacteria are able to penetrate your skin barrier, it can cause a carbuncle. Skin conditions such as acne and eczema, which can create openings for bacteria to get into your skin, can increase your risk of developing carbuncles.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}

Question 3 of 7:

Symptoms

Download Article

1
A carbuncle starts as a small but painful red bump that grows over time. Usually, you’ll notice a bump that feels deep in your skin. It can be painful and feel hot to the touch. Eventually, the bump can enlarge to more than 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- The infection can also sometimes cause red streaks to form in the skin around the carbuncle.
Because carbuncles are infections, they can affect your whole body. You can have some of the symptoms of an infection such as fever, fatigue, chills, and just feel generally cruddy.^{[9]
X
Research source}
Rather than a single, large boil, carbuncles can take the appearance of several, separate boils on the surface of your skin. Usually, it takes a few days for them to develop.^{[10]
X
Research source}
4
Eventually, a yellow-white tip can appear and then rupture. As the carbuncle grows, it will develop a yellow-white tip similar to the way a pimple develops a whitehead. Eventually, the tip will rupture and allow the pus to start draining out.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Don’t try to squeeze or pop the carbuncle like a pimple! You could actually make it worse.

Question 4 of 7:

Treatment

Download Article

1
Place a warm, moist cloth on the carbuncle to help it drain. Most smaller carbuncles will drain and heal on their own without the need for medication or medical treatment. You can help speed up the draining process and soothe your skin by placing a warm, wet washcloth on top of the carbuncle for 15 minutes at a time, 3-4 times a day. It’ll help the carbuncle drain on its own.^{[12]
X
Expert Source

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}
- Keep doing this until the carbuncle drains. Then, keep the area clean, dry, and covered until it heals completely—which could take several weeks.^{[13]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
  Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}
2
Get prescription antibiotics to treat severe or recurrent infections. If your carbuncles won’t clear up or keep coming back, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help knock out the infection. Follow the directions on the antibiotics, don’t skip any doses, and finish the full round of antibiotics for the best results.^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source

MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine

Go to source}
- Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic ointment you can apply directly to the carbuncle to help fight off the infection.
- You can also get a secondary infection once the carbuncle opens, so it's a good idea to have it evaluated by your doctor regardless.^{[15]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
  Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}
Carbuncles that develop on sensitive regions, such as your rectum and groin, may need to be drained by a medical professional. Additionally, because carbuncles can leave scars, if you have one on your face, see your doctor so they can drain and treat the infection without leaving behind large scars.^{[16]
X
Research source}
If your carbuncles just don’t seem to be getting any better, or you notice that you’re getting them over and over again, contact your doctor. They’ll examine you and potentially run some tests to make sure there isn’t a deeper medical issue such as diabetes or a problem with your immune system.^{[17]
X
Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}

Question 5 of 7:

Prognosis

Download Article

The good news is most carbuncles will heal up on their own, even without treatment. Once they develop yellow-white tips and start draining, usually they’ll be completely gone within 2 weeks.^{[18]
X
Trustworthy Source

MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine

Go to source}
2
Deep or large carbuncles may need to be drained by your doctor. Stubborn carbuncles that are located deep in your skin and don’t seem to be draining will need to be medically drained by your doctor.^{[19]
X
Expert Source

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.} Additionally, large carbuncles may take a long time to drain on their own, so your doctor can speed up the process by making a small incision and medically draining the carbuncle.^{[20]
X
Trustworthy Source

MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine

Go to source}
- Your doctor may also prescribe you an antibiotic to help you fight the infection.^{[21]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
  Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}

Question 6 of 7:

Prevention

Download Article

Shower or bathe regularly and use a mild antibacterial soap to keep your skin clean. Wash your hands often, especially if you already have a carbuncle to avoid spreading the bacteria to other regions.^{[22]
X
Research source}
If you get a cut or scrape, keep it covered. Use a sterile bandage to protect your damaged skin from getting additional bacteria inside that could cause a carbuncle.^{[23]
X
Research source}
Don’t share towels, clothes, or gym equipment with other people to minimize your risk of getting carbuncles. Be especially careful if someone already has a carbuncle.^{[24]
X
Research source}

Question 7 of 7:

Additional Info

Download Article

Attempting to pop or drain your carbuncle can actually spread the infection and make it worse. Allow the carbuncle to drain on its own or see your doctor to have it medically drained.^{[25]
X
Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

When should I see a doctor for a carbuncle?

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO

Dermatologist

Expert Answer

You may need to see a doctor if your carbuncle is large or deep, as it may need to be drained by a doctor. Additionally, see your doctor if your carbuncle becomes infected, as they may give you an antibiotic.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

How can you get a carbuncle to come to a head?

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO

Dermatologist

Expert Answer

To treat a boil or carbuncle, use a warm compress. Soak a clean cloth in warm water, then hold it against the area for 15 minutes, several times per day until the boil releases material. If that doesn't work, a doctor visit is likely needed—your doctor may opt to professionally drain the boil or prescribe an antibiotic.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 4
Question

How do you care for a carbuncle after it pops?

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO

Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Once the boil has released material, keep it clean, dry, and covered. It may take several weeks for it to completely resolve. Often, they can become secondarily infected, so it's a good idea to have an evaluation by a doctor in case an antibiotic is necessary.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

If you have a carbuncle, keep track of when your symptoms first occurred and how long they last. Make a list of any medications you’re taking. You can use the info to help your doctor diagnose the problem if you keep getting carbuncles.^{[26]
X
Trustworthy Source

Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital

Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0