Causes of Skin Boils

A furuncle or carbuncle is a boil that is caused by the Staph bacteria. The infection is usually accompanied with fever. It may have multiple heads of pus and will have several pockets of pus which may require medical attention to individually locate and surgically drain. Cystic acne may also develop into a boil. Unlike typical acne, these tend to develop deeper beneath the skin tissue where clogged pores are infected. Cystic acne is more common in adolescents and form on the facial area.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a multiple abscess usually located on the groin and armpit area. Unlike cystic acne, these develop as a result of the infection of sweat glands. Treatment through medication alone is usually unsuccessful, and surgical removal of the abscess itself is usually required.

Pilondal Cysts are boils which develop in the folds of the buttocks. These are usually infected hair follicles which grow into large abscess from the continued irritation and pressure on the infected area through prolonged and frequent sitting.