What are folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles in children?

Bacteria on the skin can cause an infection of one or more hair follicles. A hair follicle is the base or root of a hair. There are three different kinds of infections:

Folliculitis. This is inflammation of a hair follicle.
Furuncle. This is an infection of the hair follicle that goes into the deeper layers of skin. A small pocket of pus (abscess) forms. It’s also known as a boil.
Carbuncle. This is a group of infected hair follicles with pus. A carbuncle is larger and deeper than a furuncle.

These can occur anywhere on the skin where there is hair. They happen most often where there may be rubbing and sweating. This includes the back of the neck, face, armpits, waist, groin, thighs, or buttocks.

What causes folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles in a child?

Bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus (staph) are the most common cause of these infections. But other kinds of bacteria can also cause them.

Which children are at risk for folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles?

Anybody can develop folliculitis, furuncles, or carbuncles. A child may be more at risk if they:

Have diabetes or a weak immune system
Have other skin infections
Have close contact with someone with a skin abscess, furuncle, or carbuncle
Have skin injuries, such as scrapes, cuts, or insect bites
Are getting IV medicine
Have been in hot tub or spa water that is not properly treated

What are the symptoms of folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles in a child?

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:

A single lump or bump (skin lesion)
Groups of skin lesions

The lesions may be:

Red
Warm
Swollen
Painful
Leaking fluid (pus)

Symptoms that affect the whole body can include:

Fever and chills
Fast heartbeat
Low blood pressure

The symptoms of folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How are folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles diagnosed in a child?

The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They will give your child a physical exam.

Your child may need to see a specialist to treat a moderate to severe furuncle or carbuncle. A sample of the pus from the infection may be sent to a lab. This is called a culture. It’s done to see what type of bacteria caused the infection. It can help the healthcare decide the best antibiotic for treatment.

How are folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Folliculitis and mild furuncles may go away with no treatment. Warm cloths (compresses) may help ease symptoms and speed healing.

Moderate to severe furuncles and carbuncles are often treated by draining. A healthcare provider cuts into the lesion and drains the fluid (pus) inside. This is called incision and drainage. Your child may also need to take antibiotic medicine by mouth (oral) or in a vein (IV). You may also need to apply antibiotic ointment or cream on your child.

What can I do to prevent folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles in my child?

To help to prevent these infections:

Make sure you clean and protect any skin injuries.
Make sure your child washes their hands often.
Keep your child's nails cut short.
If your child complains of a tender area on their skin, check it right away.
Encourage older children and teens to keep their faces clean, use clean razors, don't share razors, and bathe often.
Use only well-maintained spas or hot tubs.
Try to have your child stay away from others with these infections.

What are possible complications of folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles in a child?

Possible complications may include:

Infection spreading to other parts of the body
Return of the infection
Scarring

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Call the healthcare provider if your child has:

Symptoms that affect a large area
Symptoms that get worse
Fever
New symptoms

Key points about folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles in children

Folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles are skin infections caused by bacteria.
Any child can get these infections. A child with diabetes or a weak immune system is more at risk.
Folliculitis and mild furuncles may go away with no treatment.
Moderate to severe furuncles and carbuncles are treated with incision and drainage. They are also often treated with antibiotic medicine.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.
Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.

Folliculitis, Furuncles, and Carbuncles in Children