What is the pathological term for a boil?

The term "furuncle" refers specifically to a boil, which is a localized infection that results in the formation of a painful, pus-filled bump beneath the skin. It is caused by the infection of hair follicles by bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus. The key characteristics of a furuncle include inflammation, swelling, and the presence of pus, which can eventually lead to the mass draining as the infection progresses.

In contrast, an abscess is a broader term that refers to a collection of pus that can occur in various tissues of the body. While a furuncle is a type of abscess, the term "abscess" encompasses other types and locations of pus accumulation, making it less specific.

A cyst, on the other hand, is a closed sac-like structure that can be filled with fluid, pus, or other material, but it is not necessarily the result of an infection in a hair follicle, which is essential for defining a boil.

A carbuncle is a cluster of interconnected furuncles (boils) that can cause more severe infection and scarring, but it represents a more advanced or complicated infection rather than a singular boil.

Therefore, furuncle is the most accurate and specific term used in