Definition of Carbuncles
Carbuncles: A skin abscess, a collection of pus that forms in the skin. Antibiotics may be helpful in treating abscesses, but the main treatments include hot packs and draining ("lancing") the abscess, but only when it is soft and ready to drain. This should be done by a health care professional. If you have a fever or long-term illness, such as cancer or diabetes, or are taking medications that suppress the immune system, you should contact your healthcare practitioner if you develop an abscess.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2624
Last Editorial Review: 9/20/2012
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