Cyst or a boil???? - Skin Problems Message Board

daisy-duke77 · 07-09-2007, 08:39 AM

Does anyone know the difference between a cyst and a boil? Alos.......what causes people to continue to get them, in the same place?? Is it a bacteria infection or something viral?????

jpeterson33 · 07-09-2007, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daisy-duke77

Does anyone know the difference between a cyst and a boil? Alos.......what causes people to continue to get them, in the same place?? Is it a bacteria infection or something viral?????

I dont know much about cysts but i do know about boils. Boils start out looking like pimples but grow much larger, they are verry painful, I have had them in the past and ended up going to the ER to have them lanced. They say that is is a bacterial infection and that you need to stop using anti bacterial soap because it kills both the good and bad. Or at least that is what they told me. Once i changed soaps they seemed to have gone away or at least i havent had one in a long time ( knocking on wood). As far as pain management for boils, there isnt any execept a script from your doctor.
Hope this helps
Jess

dorri · 07-10-2007, 04:47 PM

I would like to know the same thing? I had something on the back of my shoulder that started out like a boil. It was larger lump and was painful. After awhile it went down in size but a small lump still remains. The doctor said it is a cyst and should go away, but it's been about 2 months and it's still with me. I have been massaging it for the last few days hoping that it will break up and disappear!

daisy-duke77 · 07-11-2007, 06:52 PM

I went to the Dr yesterday, and it is a boil. A boil actually has a head and it is painful! Eventually i guess it will break and seep on it's own. I am taking an antibiotic and i hope it clears up soon! this is my 3rd one in the same place in the past 6 months. My dr told me i could have a bacterial infection in my body. She did a blood test to check my thyroid and liver. Boils can be very contagious...............meaning, dont pop them and dont touch it, then touch somewhere else on your body!

dorri · 07-11-2007, 07:08 PM

How long do your boils usually last? I tried to squeeze mine, but nothing would come out? It did go down since I got it, but I still have some left. I think the massage is helping?