Painful, swollen skin lumps that suddenly become red and begin draining thick material are commonly seen in viral medical videos. While these dramatic extractions attract millions of viewers, they often represent infected boils (furuncles), skin abscesses, or inflamed epidermoid cysts—conditions that require proper medical treatment rather than home remedies.
This article explains what these painful skin infections are, why they occur, how doctors safely treat them, and how you can prevent similar problems in the future.
What Is a Skin Boil or Infected Cyst?
A boil (furuncle) is a deep bacterial infection that develops around a hair follicle. As the infection progresses, pus collects beneath the skin, creating a swollen, painful lump.
An infected epidermoid cyst develops when an existing cyst becomes inflamed or infected. Both conditions may appear very similar and often require professional evaluation.
Without treatment, these infections may continue to enlarge and become increasingly painful.