Ann Reichl, age 13, of Willingboro, N.J., for her question:

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE GET BOILS?

Boils are hard, round abscesses or infections of skin and tissue under the skin. Most are caused by a type of staphylococcal bacteria.

Some people discover that the bacteria has entered an oil gland, a sweat gland, a hair follicle or a small, shallow wound. The bacteria multiply and grow in the tissues and give off poisons. Blood vessels in the area expand to bring blood serum and white blood cells to the infected tissues.

At first the boil looks like a small, red spot. Gradually it becomes hard and painful.

Some people get boils while others do not. Boils can be prevented by keeping the skin clean and avoiding all skin irritations.

Boils are sometimes common in persons who suffer from diabetes. Also, people with eczema and other skin diseases are more susceptible to the development of boils.