What Is a Furuncle?

A furuncle is a skin infection involving the entire hair follicle and the underlying skin tissue. They are caused by an acute, localized infection which produces an abscess of the skin and underlying tissue.

Furuncles are seen most often on the back of the neck, face, buttocks, thighs, groin, breast, or in the underarm area. The lesions are raised, tender, shiny, and bright red. Intense, throbbing pain is common with a furuncle. As the furuncle matures, it becomes filled with a yellow or white creamy discharge. The person may have a fever and feel fatigued.