The term CARBUNCLE is a type of skin infection that is characterized by a swollen, painful BOIL. The crossword solutions for this term are SWELLING (8 letters), BOIL (4 letters), GEM (3 letters), ALMANDINE (9 letters), and SORE (4 letters). The SWELLING is caused by a bacterial infection, and the BOIL is filled with pus. The GEM associated with the carbuncle is almandine, which is a deep red variety of garnet. The soreness is a result of the inflammation caused by the infection.