Bacteria that invade the body are attacked by white blood cells, and pus is formed, which is discharged through the skin.
Boils are surface abscesses.
Abscesses often occur in moist areas of the body, such as the groin or armpit, and are more frequent in persons with diabetes. The pain is due to pressure the pus puts upon nerve endings. Discomfort is relieved when the abscess bursts or is lanced or drained. The aim is to encourage the infection to reach the surface of the skin. The customary home treatment is a warm, moist compress.