Do i have a boil (skin abscesses)?

You obviously need someone to look at your back. We cannot tell you without that. Of course, other warning signs would be warmth (is it warm to touch?), tender, raised, producing pus, fever, and sweats. Since you are a type 1 diabetic, you might also notice your sugars being harder to control. Also, because of your diabetes, if this is an infection, you need to have it checked out right away since an uncontrolled infection can mess with your sugars, but also be more aggressive in someone with diabetes. Good luck, and go to your doctor.

My husband and I both had one of those last year. He got one and even after spending $185. at the Doc-in-the-Box, it did not go away. I actually excised it a little at a time over a period of about three weeks.
Last August I developed one a little higher on my back than his. When I visited my doctor, she immediately prescribed a heavy-duty antibiotic which took care of it within about four or five days. Both of these ‘cysts’ were large, deeply imbedded under the skin. My husband’s was nearly baseball-sized, my own about golf-ball sized. I would suggest seeing a doctor immediately and asking for an antibiotic.

@VS You and your husband describe the classic scenario for an MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) infection. He got it first, and it was very difficult to eradicate (though you did the right thing by trying to drain it). Then, because it is contagious, you developed an abscess too (it wasn’t a “cyst”, but rather, an abscess). Fortunately, yours went away with appropriate antibiotics.

is there and easier way to get rid of one? i have heard that some people have put warmth on it for 2 or 3 times a day and then it will open up and puss will come out and then you put saltwater on it.

@madmax303 Yes, warm compresses can help the abscess drain. However, MRSA can be very difficult to treat (even with drainage), and antibiotics are often required (or the abscess comes back). I am harping on MRSA because in 2009, ~60% of all skin infections are caused by this bug. With your diabetes especially, you really should be seen by a doctor.

@shilolo – that is what I was told, too. He has been doing a construction project at the hospital. I told him the best place to get sick or catch something bad is at the hospital!

Well i called my docter and she said that i should just put antibiotic ointment and a band-aid on it. I am also keeping one of those Hot Buddy things to keep it warm.