What is a Boil?
A boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland.
A boil is a common skin infection caused by bacteria or fungi found on the skin’s surface. Boils occur in hair follicles. Damage to these follicles allows bacteria to enter deep into tissues. The result—the infected area may turn tender, red and swollen. Over time, the tender lump may turn white as pus collects beneath the skin.
Boils can appear anywhere in the body, although they most commonly occur on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, thighs, and buttocks.