Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Key Takeaways A boil begins as a red, tender bump and can become a painful, pus-filled bump.To help a boil heal, apply a warm, moist compress for 10 minutes, three ...

Boils and carbuncles are skin infections caused by a bacteria called staphylococcus aureus (commonly referred to as staph). They present as painful pus-filled pockets, which form under the skin and ...