A carbuncle is defined as what kind of skin condition?

A carbuncle is defined as a group of infected hair follicles, making this the correct choice. It typically occurs when bacteria, often Staphylococcus aureus, infect multiple hair follicles in a localized area, leading to the formation of one or more pus-filled bumps that can be painful and swollen. The skin may appear red and inflamed around the area, and the condition is often associated with systemic symptoms like fever in severe cases.

Understanding the nature of a carbuncle as an infection of hair follicles helps clarify its treatment, which may involve antibiotics or drainage, and highlights its connection to other skin conditions like boils, which arise from single infected hair follicles. This recognition of how carbuncles form and behave in the body is essential to effectively diagnosing and managing skin infections.