What causes skin boils to form on the body and burst open?

Skin boils, also known as furuncles, are caused by a bacterial infection of the hair follicle. The bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus, enters the follicle and begins to multiply, causing inflammation and swelling. The follicle fills with pus and white blood cells, forming a boil.

As the boil continues to grow, it may become painful and tender. The skin around the boil may be red and inflamed. In some cases, the boil may burst open, releasing pus and blood.

Boils can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, neck, back, and buttocks. They are also more common in people with certain skin conditions, such as acne or eczema.

Treatment for boils typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria and pain relievers to reduce discomfort. In some cases, the boil may need to be drained surgically.

To prevent boils, it is important to keep your skin clean and dry. Avoid sharing personal items, such as razors and towels. If you have a boil, do not squeeze or pick it, as this can spread the infection.