Boils differ from pimples in that they are in the deep layers of the true skin. Pimples are superficial. The organisms that cause boils are called staphylococci. These organisms reach the deeper layers of the skin by following down a hair follicle. As the infection develops the skin reacts by building a protective wall around the point of inflammation. This is called a pyogenic membrane, and prevents the spread of the infection to adjacent areas of the skin.

Early in the process the infection may be aborted by anti­biotics. Later the infection may develop to the place where the tissue within the membrane is so badly injured that it breaks down to form pus. To open a boil before this takes place does more harm than good. The best treatment is to apply hot fomen­tations until the boil comes to a "head." If there is a white pustule at the top, clean the area around it with soap and water and puncture it with a flamed needle. Do not worry about how much it drains. Avoid squeezing it. If there is only scant drainage continue the hot compress or put on a sulpha dressing.