Also known as skin abscesses , boils form as a result of a cut or break in the skin, which leads to a bacterial infection. They are characterized as a red, tender area with a painful, pus-filled center that can open spontaneously or by surgical incision. Some boils are caused by an ingrown hair. Others are caused by plugged-up sweat glands, such as some types of cystic acne.
An abscess is the body's way of trying to heal from an infection. Abscesses form after bacteria, fungi, or other germs enter the body — usually through an open wound like a cut — and cause an infection. When this happens, the body's immune system is activated and sends out white blood cells to fight the infection. It's these white blood cells, along with other debris, that can collect in the wound and make pus.
Everyone gets pimples at some point in their lives. There are many different types of acne pimples. All pimples result from clogged pores, but only inflammatory pimples emit the most noticeable pus.
If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Pimples around the female genital area are a common condition caused by a variety of factors.