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 ...

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 ...

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 ...