Boils and warts: even their names sound disgusting, but most people will get them at least once in their lives. The first step to getting rid of 'em is learning to tell the two apart. A BOIL is an infection of a hair follicle or sweat gland usually found on the thighs, butt, armpits, neck or face. They start out as red, tender bumps about the size of a PEA. After a few days, the white blood cells that have collected to fight the infection fill the bump as white pus. RESIST the temptation to pop the boil; it only makes the infection worse. Instead, help the natural opening and draining of a boil by applying a wet, hot compress or soaking it in WARM water. While most boils will go away on their own, LARGER sores might need to be drained by your doctor, who, in severe cases, may also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent further infection. Unlike boils, WARTS are typically painless. These hard, rough, skin-colored growths can form anywhere on your body. Plantar warts--the ones on your feet--MAY start hurting since you put pressure on them when you walk-they can feel similar to having a pebble in your shoe. Warts are caused by a viral infection called human papillomavirus or HPV. They're more common in young people since older folks develop immunity to this type of virus over time. Warts CAN be spread from person to person-so don't walk barefoot on moist surfaces like locker room floors, DON'T share towels or razors with an infected person, and DON'T touch other people's warts. For that matter, DON'T touch your own and then touch another part of your body. After infection, it can take up to 9 months of slow growth before you even notice a wart. Most warts go away with time, BUT it can take months if not longer. To speed the process, use an over-the-counter treatment that contains salicylic acid. Even this can take up to 12 weeks to completely get rid of a wart. If you don't have that much time between now and say... your next date night, visit your dermatologist. Your doctor can help get rid of a wart in just one or two treatments by injecting it with a shot of stronger medication, using liquid nitrogen to freeze it off, or in some tough cases removing the wart with a quick surgery. For more details on treating different types boils and warts, check out the rest of the videos in this series.