Definition of Furuncle

Furuncle: Is also known as a "boil." A boil is a tender, dome-shaped skin lesion caused by an infection around a hair follicle with Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotics are often not very helpful in treating abscesses. The main treatments include hot packs and draining ("lancing") the abscess, but only when it is soft and ready to drain. If you develop an abscess and. have fever, a long-term illness (such as cancer or diabetes) or are on medication that suppresses the immune system, you should contact your healthcare practitioner.