What causes boils and carbuncles?

What causes boils and carbuncles?

Boils are usually caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (staph infection), but other bacteria and fungi can cause them too. Bacteria enter your skin through a cut or a hair follicle (the opening in your skin where hair grows out). Your body’s immune system responds by sending infection-fighting white blood cells to the area. The white blood cells build up, along with damaged skin, to form pus. Carbuncles develop when more than one hair follicle gets infected. The infection is deeper and more severe than one boil.

Anyone can develop a boil, but certain factors can increase your risk. These risk factors include:

• Close contact with someone who has a staph infection.
• You have obesity.
• You have a skin disorder, such as eczema.
• You have a weakened immune system, cancer or diabetes. These conditions make it harder for your body to fight infection.