Home Remedies for Boils The skin infection, which initiates in the oil gland or a hair follicle is known as the boil. The skin becomes red color and it swells leading to a tender lump. After a few days, the lump turns white due to the formation of the pus underneath the skin. Boils are caused mainly by staphylococcus germs which enters the sweat glands or hair follicles to present with painful red nodule along with burning feeling. Home Remedies