Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is the medical term for a cluster of boils?

1. Carbuncle

2. Furuncle

3. Ablation

4. Cyst

The correct answer is: Carbuncle

The correct answer is a cluster of boils is referred to as a carbuncle. A carbuncle is defined as a localized infection that usually involves several hair follicles and appears as a red, swollen mass filled with pus. This condition is often caused by staphylococci bacteria, leading to a painful, inflamed area on the skin. The term "furuncle" refers specifically to a single boil, which is an individual infection of a hair follicle. This distinction is crucial; while both terms relate to skin infections, a carbuncle signifies multiple furuncles or boils clustered together. Ablation is a term that refers to the removal of tissue, often through surgical methods or other means, and does not relate to skin infections. A cyst is a closed sac-like structure that can be filled with fluid or semi-solid material but differs significantly from the infectious nature of boils or carbuncles. Therefore, understanding the specific definitions and differences between these terms highlights why carbuncle is the correct answer in this context.