If you’ve ever experienced a red, swollen bump on your skin, you probably dismissed it as an acne breakout, especially if it appeared on your jawline, chest, or back, areas that are prone to zits.
We’re prepared to wager that you hadn’t thought about the possibility that the new resident might be a boil, which actually resembles a breakout in many ways.
Boils take longer to get rid of themselves in your system than pimples do, frequently taking weeks, and sometimes requiring expert help. Pimples typically go away on their own within a few days.
Read also: How To Get Rid Of Acne When You Have Dried Skin
Typical Acne Types Mistaken for Boils
Understanding the distinctions and similarities between a pimple and a boil will help you identify the symptoms to watch out for and determine the best course of action for treatment.
“Acne normally will have various manifestations such as inflammatory papules, whiteheads, blackheads, and pustules, whereas boils usually are isolated lumps,” says the author.
Boils and acne are not the same, although they do have a characteristic with regard to germs and hair follicles. “ A boil is a localized bacterial infection of the skin that is also referred to medically as an abscess or carbuncle.
Cysts
More than any other acne symptom, cysts, and boils are readily confused since they are both red, big, and frequently painful.
Even if there is only one large inflammatory acne lesion, a nodule, which is more often known as a cyst, can resemble an abscess. However, as boils are a buildup of pus, they frequently have a whitehead someplace on the surface.
Pustules
Additionally, pustules are red, pus-filled pimples that can occasionally be confused with boils, particularly if they develop on their own and feature whiteheads.
However, pustules frequently form in groups, which could be a sign of another skin illness. “A bacterial folliculitis, in which the infection manifests itself superficially in several follicles, may be the cause of a patient’s abrupt recurrence of acne pustules and pimples.
Boils and Pimples: Their Causes and Treatment
Although the bacterial strains that cause boils and pimples are not the same, both conditions are brought on by germs and irritated hair follicles. Boils and pimples could also be caused by additional factors, which could be avoided by taking specific precautions.
Bacteria
Most commonly, staph or strep germs are what create boils. Atypical mycobacteria, fungi, or even viruses—which are less prevalent and grow more slowly—can cause boils.
Different bacteria, including the P. acnes bacterium, cause pimples to develop. This bacteria develops when sebum and debris, such as dead skin cells, mix inside a blocked pore or hair follicle.
Health problems
Additionally, some people are more prone to boils than others due to preexisting medical issues. Immuno-compromised people may be more vulnerable.
Genetics
Similar to acne, boils may be passed on from our parents. Boils are also prone to occur in some families. The best course of action is prevention if boils or acne run in your family.
Bad hygiene
When treating boils or acne symptoms, a clean, healthy complexion is a crucial element in any skincare routine.
Cleaning any fresh cuts or skin breaks will significantly reduce infection.
Use loose clothing in places where you develop boils when you exercise or perspire a lot, and make sure to wash your skin. If you experience repeated boils, using an antibacterial cleaner or topical medications may also be helpful over time.
These recommendations also apply to those with acne-prone skin because clearing the pores of bacteria-causing substances like sweat or dead skin cells may lessen the likelihood of breakouts.
Existing skin issues
The likelihood of broken skin will diminish if the underlying skin condition that causes it, such as eczema, is treated.
Bacterial folliculitis on the buttocks or thighs is not unusual among people who exercise while wearing tight synthetic textiles like compression shorts.
Anyone trying to prevent boils can dress loosely or in cotton, apply moisturizer before donning compression shorts to reduce skin friction, and/or take a shower immediately after working out.
Treating Pimples and Boils
There are treatments available for both boils and pimples, depending on the type of lump on your skin.
Identify the blemish
First things first, as each is handled differently, you must determine whether you have a boil or a pimple. A boil is typically described as a painful, firm bump that is red and heated to the touch. On the other hand, cysts may appear beneath the skin’s surface in pimples, which may be smaller.
Relieve pressure
In some situations, applying a hot compress to a boil will assist it to move out of your body and relieve any discomfort it causes.
A heated compress aids in boosting blood flow and reveals the lesion.
Anyone who has to drain a boil at home can benefit from a hot compress when necessary. The apparent pus mound can be punctured with a clean needle to allow the pus to drain if the patient is unable to see the dermatologist. Squeezing the lesion, however, increases the risk of scarring by spreading the infection to nearby skin.
A boil should be drained
Draining the abscess is the mainstay of care. This makes it possible to practice culture. Your doctor will use your culture to determine which medications, if any, to give you.
A course of oral antibiotics may be required
To help you get rid of the illness, your doctor might have to prescribe you some oral antibiotics. Your doctor may conduct a culture during the incision and drainage procedure to choose the best oral antibiotic to prescribe. If you frequently get boils, this culture is more crucial.
Treat microorganisms that cause acne
While pimples can occasionally find relief with an over-the-counter topical medication, boils sometimes need oral antibiotics, either before or after they have been lanced.
A pimple can be treated locally at home using salicylic acid or over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide. Additionally, a few days’ worths of over-the-counter corticosteroid therapy is possible.