Boils are infections caused by bacteria or fungi. Cysts are non-infectious and non-contagious although they can become infected if the skin is broken and bacteria gets in. Cysts usually grow slowly and are not painful while boils usually grow rapidly and can be painful. There are many different types of both and treatments vary depending on their cause and location.
Look for these telltale signs:. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Prevention of Recurrent Staphylococcal Skin Infections. Infect Dis Clin North Am. Impetigo: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. Minnesota Department of Health. Cleveland Clinic. Sebaceous Cysts. Published January 15, Penn Medicine.
Published February 7, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Skin Boils. See Photo. Impetigo This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Impetigo Skin Infections. If a boil develops and doesn't go away in a few days, see a healthcare provider. Skin Boil in Zambia This reader was concerned his boil came from a spider: "It started small—blister like yellow white —after a few hours the blisters was surrounded by reddish and swollen flesh, which was hard when you touched it. He felt this common boil treatment made it worse: "The local healthcare provider in Mansa, Zambia diagnosed this to be a boil and that it should be cut and pushed out!
Swollen Face This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. Learn More: What Is a Cyst? How can I tell if I have a staph infection on my skin? Look for these telltale signs: Red patches or blisters Tenderness and swelling Signs of pus Fever not always present. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? Most types of cysts are more common in males than in females. Treatment for cysts and boils is different. This is because an infection causes a boil.
But sometimes a benign cyst may become infected. Most cysts are noncancerous and need no treatment. Occasionally , a cyst will disappear on its own. However, it may recur in time. Sometimes an epidermal cyst may become inflamed and swollen.
Some cysts may be troublesome or unsightly to some people because of their location. In these cases, treatment may involve surgical removal. A minimal incision method is recommended to prevent scarring. A study involving 82 people who had cysts removed reported no complications and no recurrences of the cysts.
If you have no systemic symptoms of infection, you can take care of a boil at home. To treat a boil at home, do the following:. If you have a noncancerous cyst, your outlook is very good. If you choose to remove a cyst, surgery is usually successful. Most boils heal on their own within one to three weeks. Some boils may require treatment by a dermatologist.
But you can prevent a cyst from becoming infected by not picking at it or trying to pop it on your own. Good hygiene is the best way to prevent boils. If you have a boil, wash your hands thoroughly and often. This helps keep the bacteria or fungi from spreading to other areas of your body or to other people. Wash any towels, toys, or clothing that may have come in contact with the boil. To kill any bacteria or fungi that may be present on these items, use hot water and soap.
Dry the items in a dryer using the hot setting. A carbuncle is a cluster of boils that form a connected area of infection. Compared with single boils, carbuncles cause a deeper and more severe infection and are more likely to leave a scar.
People who have a carbuncle often feel unwell in general and may experience a fever and chills. You usually can care for a single, small boil yourself. But see your doctor if you have more than one boil at a time or if a boil:. Most boils are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacterium commonly found on the skin and inside the nose. A bump forms as pus collects under the skin. Boils sometimes develop at sites where the skin has been broken by a small injury or an insect bite, which gives the bacteria easy entry.
Although anyone — including otherwise healthy people — can develop boils or carbuncles, the following factors can increase your risk:. Rarely, bacteria from a boil or carbuncle can enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body. The spreading infection, commonly known as blood poisoning sepsis , can lead to infections deep within your body, such as your heart endocarditis and bone osteomyelitis.
It's not always possible to prevent boils, especially if you have a weakened immune system. But the following measures may help you avoid staph infections:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.
0コメント