A boil is a common, painful infection of a hair follicle and the surrounding skin. It begins as a red lump, then fills with pus as white blood cells rush in to fight the infection. Boils are usually pea-sized, but can grow as large as a golf ball. Symptoms can include: Swelling, redness, and pain A white or yellow center or tip Weeping, oozing, or crusting You may also have a general feeling of ill health, fatigue, or a fever. Most boils are caused by staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), which many healthy people carry on their skin or in their noses without a problem. Boils not only cause displeasure but are also harmful if left untreated. Although starting out as harmless bumps, they often intensify rapidly. Contrary to popular belief, boils are not restricted to the usual parts of the body i.e. face, armpits, inner thighs, buttocks, groin and scalp. They are not constrained to just these areas of the body, but to any part of the body that has hair follicles. If you experience redness or red streaks spreading from the infected area, have an accompanying fever, if you are diabetic or are currently taking an antibiotic or cortisone medication you should see your health-care provider at the onset of symptoms. Using a hot compress on the boil or sitting in a hot bath may help to alleviate the pain until the boil ruptures and drains on its own. When the boil ruptures, pain relief is forthcoming.