Furuncle

[lelliott19]

An infection/abscess of the skin, usually caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Typically begins as a benign looking bump or pimple. As the infection worsens, the boil can become hard and painful. Bacteria and dead skin cells may build up under the skin, forming pus. Pressure builds, which may cause the furuncle to burst and release its fluids. Multiple furuncles [furunculi] in the same general area of the body is referred to as "carbuncle." Carbuncles may cause a fever and chills.

Since there were no antibiotics during the Civil War, a furuncle could be quite serious. As can be seen from the Confederate medical card below, debilitation from "furunculi" could be long lasting - this case requiring hospitalization of 11 days, from admission to RtD.

 

[John Winn]

I shall now forever think of this term as a descriptor for the uncle I didn't like; a conjunction of sorts.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

Yes, they are painful and troublesome......With Mersa prevalent today, the fear that antibiotics won't work is just as great as not having antibiotics at all.....

 

[huskerblitz]

I shall now forever think of this term as a descriptor for the uncle I didn't like; a conjunction of sorts.

I'm so used to seeing people call their pets 'furbabies' I immediately thought of this as your uncle's pet.