Q What is a boil? What are the symptoms of a boil?
A boil is a bacterial skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. Initially, the skin turns red and a tender lump develops. After four to seven days, the lump starts turning white as pus collects under the skin. The most common places for boils to appear are on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks. Symptoms are: red eruption, pain, local warmth, and swelling at the affected area. Sometimes, boils may cause enlargement of the local lymph nodes and fever.