Boils are one of the most common skin diseases. Boils are referred as a painful sore with a hard core filled with pus, which can form in any part of the body. Boils are caused for a number of reasons. The principal reason is the infection of hair follicles that result in localised assemblage of pus and dead tissue. Boils are caused by a type of bacterium, named Staphylococcus aureus, which lives silently on the surface of the skin and enters the follicles through a tiny cut of the skin. Boils can be transmitted from one person to another, as well.

In the initial period of formation of a boil, a particular area of skin becomes reddened and with due course of time, the area becomes firm, hard and tender. In the final stage, the center of the area softens and becomes filled with infection-fighting white blood cells. These cells are sent by the body from the bloodstream to eliminate the infection. The collection of white blood cells, bacteria, and proteins is called pus. Eventually, the pus forms a head that can be surgically opened or spontaneously drain out through the surface of the skin. Individual boils can cluster together and form an interconnected network of boils, called carbuncles. In severe cases, boils may develop to form abscesses.

There are numerous causes behind the formation of boils on skin. Generally the people having immune system disorders, diabetes, poor hygiene or malnutrition (Vitamin A or E deficiency) are more susceptible to developing boils, than others. However, boils can occur in healthy, hygienic individuals, as well; mainly due to over scratching a particular area of the skin. Boils are frequently caused by Hidradenitis suppurativa and sometimes, the anti-perspirant deodorants can cause boils in the armpits, as well. Some types of boils are also caused by a super bug known as Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, or CA-MRSA.

Boils can be identified by several symptoms. Generally, development of red, pus-filled lumps that are tender, warm, and painful, is the main symptom of boils. In some people, itching may develop before the lumps begin to form. When, a boil is ready to drain or discharge the pus, a yellow or white point can be seen at the center of the lump. Multiple boils are possible to develop, in case of a severe infection. In this type of boils, the patient may experience fever and swollen lymph nodes, as well. Sometimes unpleasant smell may emit from boils, especially when it is drained or when emission of pus is on the way. The smell emits mainly due to the presence of bacteria in the discharge. If boils occur repeatedly, it is called chronic furunculosis. The areas of a human body where boils occur most commonly include the back, stomach, underarms, shoulders, face, lip, eyes, nose, thighs and buttocks, etc. However, boils can be found elsewhere, as well.

Several types of boils can develop in a human body. Every boil begins as a red mark and gradually grows in size. Though the basic shape of most of the boils is same, boils may have different types of formations. Sometimes, different causes are also found to be present in different types of boils. Furuncle is one of the most common boils, caused by an infection of hair follicle by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The other types of boils include Carbuncles, which tend to grow in clusters; the Hidradenitis Supparativa, mostly caused when sweat glands inflame and become infected; the Cystic Acne, caused by a plug in the hair follicle, etc. The Pilonidal Cysts, also known as rectal boils, are another type of boils, which are usually recurrent and can cause severe pain.

Boils are treated through medicinal practices like Homoeopathy, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, etc. However, in India, most people treat boils through self-care. They apply a warm compress or soak the boil in warm water, which helps alleviating the pain and stimulates draining of the pus. In India, it is colloquially referred to as "bringing the boil to a head". The Indian people wash the area with antibacterial soap and bandage properly, once the boil drains completely. Ichthammol-based salve is also sometimes applied to accelerate the maturing process.

However, the treatment is different in case of serious boil infection or carbuncles. The patients are advised to apply Magnesium sulphate (epsom salt) paste to the affected area for preventing the growth of bacteria. This paste can also reduce boils by absorbing pus and drying up the lesion. Apart from these, daily use of a soap/cleanser containing triclosan, triclocarban or chlorhexidine, when boils occur, can also help in treating boils. According to Naturopathy, the Indian people use the natural ingredients like honey, cabbage leaves, raw potato, aloe vera, figs, goldenseal, myrrh, etc. in treatment of boils. Making some changes in dietary habit also helps in treating boils. Apart from the above mentioned methods, people treat boils through home remedies, using water treatments, or through aromatherapy, as well.

There are some preventive solutions for avoiding boils, as well. People often use these preventive measures to minimise the risk of developing boils or bacterial skin infections. Cleansing skin properly with soap and water, and taking showers rather than tub baths; not sharing washcloths, towels, or facial cosmetics with others; cutting down on greasy or fatty foods and snacks; washing hands before touching the face; using antiseptic soaps and shower gels; consulting a doctor if furunculosis is a persistent problem; etc. are some of the most effective preventive actions taken for boils.