Boils are painful, pus-filled, and are caused by infections like Staphylococcus aureus. Cysts are painless, non-infectious growths filled with keratin or other substances. Antibiotics may treat boils ...

A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a swollen, pus-filled growth on the skin that occurs when bacteria—even those normally found on your body—infect a group of hair follicles. Boils commonly develop ...

Mark Gurarie is a writer covering health topics, technology, music, books, and culture. He also teaches health science and research writing at George Washington University's School of Medical and ...