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Skin layers

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Carbunculosis

Alternative Names: Skin infection - staphylococcal; Infection - skin - staph; Staph skin infection; Carbuncles Symptoms: Skin lesion Is a papule or nodule Usually is pea-sized, may occasionally be as large as a golf ball Is usually swollen Is pink or red May grow rapidly May develop white or yellow centers (pustules ) May weep, ooze, or crust May be located with hair follicles Is tender, mildly to moderately painful May be single or multiple May run together (coalesce) or spread to other skin areas May increase in painfulness as pus and dead tissue fills the area May decrease in painfulness as the area drains Skin redness or inflammation around the boil Fever (occasionally) Fatigue (occasionally) General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (occasionally) Itching of the skin may occur before the skin lesions develop. Signs and tests: Text Continues Below Diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin. A skin biopsy and bacterial culture of the lesion may help to make the diagnosis or determine the exact type of bacteria involved.

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