What is the Difference Between Cyst and Boil?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a cyst and a boil is that a boil is a bacterial or fungal infection, while a cyst is a noninfectious, slow-growing, and usually painless sac under the skin filled with fluid or semisolid material. Here are some key differences between cysts and boils:
- Causes: Boils result from a bacterial or fungal infection, typically caused by staph bacteria or certain fungi. Cysts, on the other hand, are not generally caused by infections.
- Symptoms: Boils are usually painful, red, and swollen, filled with pus. Cysts are usually painless.
- Contagion: Boils can spread bacteria or fungi on contact, while cysts are not contagious.
- Appearance: Boils are typically larger than cysts and appear red and swollen. Cysts are smooth and not red.
- Treatment: Doctors can treat cysts with minor surgery, while boils can usually be treated at home.
It is essential to consult a medical professional if you are unsure whether you have a cyst or a boil, as the treatment and monitoring may differ significantly.
Comparative Table: Cyst vs Boil
Here is a table summarizing the differences between cysts and boils:
Feature | Cysts | Boils |
---|---|---|
Definition | A cyst is a smooth, round, closed sac under your skin filled with fluid or semisolid material. | A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a painful skin bump filled with pus, typically caused by staph bacteria or fungal infection. |
Growth | Cysts are slow-growing. | Boils grow rapidly and are usually painful. |
Pain | Cysts are usually painless unless they grow large. | Boils are generally painful. |
Appearance | Cysts are smooth and not red. | Boils are red, swollen, and contain yellow pus. |
Causes | Cysts are not the result of a bacterial or fungal infection. | Boils result from a bacterial or fungal infection. |
Risk Factors | Not contagious. | Can spread bacteria or fungi on contact. |
Treatment | Doctors can treat cysts with minor surgery. | People can usually treat boils at home, but if the infection persists, a doctor's help is needed. |
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