3. What is the difference between a furuncle and a carbuncle?Furuncles and carbuncles are both skin infections caused by
Staphylococcus aureus. While a furuncle or a boil affects a single hair follicle, a carbuncle is a collection of boils under the surface of the skin.
4. Can any local antibiotic be used for the treatment of a furuncle?No. Only antibiotics that are effective against
Staphylococcus aureus will be effective in treating a furuncle. Some local antibiotics like polymyxin have no effect and therefore will not be useful.