Boils

Boil is a raised, tender, pus-filled area on the skin caused by bacterial infection; also known as furuncle (another name for boil). The bacteria, usually staphylococci (a member of a group of bacteria that causes boils, pus forming infections and a type of food poisoning), may enter the outer layer of the skin through a hair follicle or sweat gland or through a scratch or break in the skin. The bacteria do not generally thrive unless resistance has been lowered by poor nutrition or some illness such as anemia, or diabetes.

The consequence can be grave if bacteria enter the blood stream and cause blood poisoning. It is advisable then not to open a boil by yourself, let the doctor do it for you. 

If several boils appear at once or follow each other in quick succession, immediately see a doctor. If you have only a single boil in an area that is not sensitive or vital, wash the area with soap and warm water several times a day, dab it lightly with alcohol, and protect it with antiseptic gauze pad, hot compress may be applied for ten minutes several times a day. The compress may be a gauze pad dipped in warm water that contains as much salt as will dissolve in it. Protect the area with dry gauze pad between treatments.