Complications can include cellulitis, furunculosis, and alopecia. An acute, localized perifollicular abscess of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by coagulase-positive S. aureus resulting in a red, hot, very tender inflammatory nodule that exudes pus from one opening. A carbuncle is an aggregate of connected furuncles and characteristically is painful and has several pustular openings. This can be an acute or chronic problem with lesions commonly on areas of friction such as buttocks, axillae, breasts, and the nape of the neck. Incision and drainage is generally required.
Prevention is often difficult.
Improved personal hygiene, use of antibacterial soaps, frequent hand washing, daily bathing, and change of clothing are important. Elimination of carrier states in the nose and perineum by the use of topical and systemic antibiotics is often possible. The lesions are most common on the hands, feet, and face. They are infectious and autoinoculable. Common in children, the elderly, or in patients with immunologic deficiencies or atopic dermatitis.