Have you ever had boils on your skin? Ever wondered what they actually are? Or maybe you get confused between boil and abscess.
If your answers are yes, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re going to discuss everything you need to know about the differences between abscesses and boils. Read on to find out!
| Abscess | Boil |
| Is a pocket of pus that forms in response to an infection. | Is a skin infection caused by bacteria. |
| Is a localized infection. | Is a generalized infection. |
| Considered less severe. | Considered more severe. |
| Smaller, less painful, and drains easily. | Bigger, more painful, and can spread if not treated correctly. |
| Can be caused by several bacterias, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. | Usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. |
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in response to an infection. The pus is made up of white blood cells, bacteria, and dead tissue.
Abscesses can form anywhere in the body, but they are most common in the skin, mouth, and lungs. Abscesses can be painful and can cause fever, swelling, and redness.
Abscesses are treated with antibiotics and, in some cases, surgery. People with abscesses should see a doctor.
Boil is a skin infection that is caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The infection is most commonly found on the skin of the face, but it can also occur on other parts of the body.
Boil is a pus-filled lesion that usually appears as a red, swollen, and painful bump on the skin.
The lesion may rupture and release pus and other fluid. If the boil is left untreated, it may grow larger and spread to other parts of the body.
To treat boil, the pus must be drained. The infection can be treated with antibiotics if it is caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms of boil usually go away within a few days after the infection is treated.
The main difference between an abscess and a boil is that an abscess is a localized infection while a boil is a generalized infection. Boils are typically more severe than abscesses.
Compared to boil, abscesses are typically smaller, less painful, and drain pus more easily. People with boil often have a fever and feel generally ill, while people with abscess may have a low-grade fever and only minor discomfort.
Other differences are that boils tend to form in hair follicles, while abscesses may form anywhere in the body.
Boils are often caused by certain bacteria, while abscesses may be caused by a variety of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Boils may also be caused by other skin conditions, such as acne, or by ingrown hairs. Abscesses, on the other hand, are often caused by a puncture wound or an infection in another part of the body, such as the lungs or the urinary tract.
