Final answer:
Carbuncles are indeed caused by bacterial infections like Staphylococcus aureus and usually require medical treatment involving drainage and antibiotics. They can be severe and often present with systemic symptoms, making good hygiene critical in their prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, carbuncles are composite boils that are typically caused by a bacterial infection such as Staphylococcus aureus. Carbuncles are deeper skin infections that may form from the coalescence of multiple furuncles. They are often associated with systemic symptoms such as fever and a general feeling of illness.
Because of their severity and potential complications, carbuncles generally require medical treatment, including drainage and antibiotic therapy. In cases with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), these infections can be particularly difficult to treat due to their resistance to many antibiotics.
Good hygiene and skin care practices can help prevent the development and spread of these infections. It is important to seek medical attention for larger, recurrent, or worsening carbuncles, especially if they are associated with systemic symptoms.