What are boils? what causes them?

Skin infections: Usually caused by bacteria that gets up underneath the skin and causes an abscess (localized infection). These generally resolve on their own or require antibiotics.

Boils: Boil is the nonmedical term for either an inflamed cyst or a mild infection called folliculitis. The first type are treated by draining the lesion. The second type are treated with antibiotics and avoiding the causes (hot tubs, friction, contaminated loofah, etc. ) If you have a non-inflamed cyst, don't squeeze it as this often turns a simple cyst into a painful "boil".