A boil, also called a furuncle, is a skin infection that is usually caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Boils can occur anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face, neck, armpits, buttocks, and thighs.
A boil starts as a small, red, painful lump. Over time, the lump becomes larger and more inflamed. If left untreated, the lump will eventually burst and release pus and other fluids.
Boil infections can be quite serious and may require antibiotics …