Which condition is characterized by an acute bacterial infection of a hair follicle that produces a boil?

The condition characterized by an acute bacterial infection of a hair follicle that produces a boil is known as a furuncle. This occurs when the infection penetrates deep into the hair follicle, leading to the formation of a painful, swollen mass filled with pus. Furuncles can occur anywhere on the body where hair follicles are present, commonly in areas subjected to friction and moisture, like the neck, axillae (armpits), and thighs.

Understanding the nature of a furuncle helps differentiate it from other related conditions. A carbuncle, for instance, is a more severe and interconnected set of furuncles that form a larger infection, while folliculitis is a milder inflammation of the hair follicles without the formation of a significant boil. Psoriasis, on the other hand, is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the skin, leading to red, scaly patches and is not caused by a bacterial infection.

Thus, referring to the acute bacterial infection presenting as a boil clearly aligns with the definition of a furuncle.