Boil vs. Cyst: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A boil is a painful, pus-filled bump under the skin caused by infection, while a cyst is a typically non-infectious, closed pocket of tissue that may contain fluid, air, or other substances.
Key Differences
A boil, medically known as a furuncle, is an infection of a hair follicle, resulting in a red, swollen, and painful lump filled with pus. A cyst, on the other hand, is a benign growth that forms a sac and can appear anywhere on the body.
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Boils are usually caused by bacterial infections, particularly by Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast, cysts can be caused by a variety of factors, including blocked ducts, infections, or chronic inflammatory conditions.
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The treatment for a boil typically involves antibiotics or drainage if necessary, while a cyst may not require treatment unless it becomes infected, uncomfortable, or aesthetically concerning.
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Boils often resolve spontaneously or with medical treatment, but they can recur in certain individuals. Cysts can remain stable in size or grow slowly and may persist if not surgically removed.
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In terms of symptoms, a boil is typically painful and filled with pus, while a cyst is usually painless unless infected and feels like a lump under the skin.
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Comparison Chart
Recurrence
Can recur, especially in certain cases
Typically stable unless infected
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Boil and Cyst Definitions
Cyst
Non-infectious growth
The dermatologist confirmed the lump was a harmless cyst.
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Cyst
Surgical removal possible
She had her cyst surgically removed due to discomfort.
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Boil
To change from a liquid to a vapor by the application of heat
All the water boiled away and left the kettle dry.
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Cyst
An abnormal membranous sac in the body containing a gaseous, liquid, or semisolid substance.
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Cyst
(Biology) A small capsulelike sac that encloses certain organisms in their dormant or larval stage.
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Boil
To be stirred up or greatly excited, especially in anger
The mere idea made me boil.
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Cyst
A pouch or sac without opening, usually membranous and containing morbid matter, which develops in one of the natural cavities or in the substance of an organ.
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Cyst
(medicine) Of or pertaining to the urinary bladder or gall bladder (in compounds).
Cystectomy, cystitis, cystoscopy
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Cyst
A pouch or sac without opening, usually membranous and containing morbid matter, which is accidentally developed in one of the natural cavities or in the substance of an organ.
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Boil
To separate by evaporation in the process of boiling
Boil the maple sap.
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Cyst
One of the bladders or air vessels of certain algæ, as of the great kelp of the Pacific, and common rockweeds (Fuci) of our shores.
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Cyst
A small capsule or sac of the kind in which many immature entozoans exist in the tissues of living animals; also, a similar form in Rotifera, etc.
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Boil
Lower Southern US A picnic featuring shrimp, crab, or crayfish boiled in large pots with spices, and then shelled and eaten by hand.
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Boil
An agitated, swirling, roiling mass of liquid
"Those tumbling boils show a dissolving bar and a changing channel there" (Mark Twain).
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Cyst
A small anatomically normal sac or bladderlike structure (especially one containing fluid)
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Boil
A painful, circumscribed pus-filled inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue usually caused by a local staphylococcal infection. Also called furuncle.
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Boil
A localized accumulation of pus in the skin, resulting from infection.
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Boil
The point at which fluid begins to change to a vapour; the boiling point.
Add the noodles when the water comes to the boil.
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Boil
To heat to the point where it begins to turn into a gas.
Boil some water in a pan.
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Boil
(ambitransitive) To cook in boiling water.
Boil the eggs for three minutes.
Is the rice boiling yet?
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Boil
To begin to turn into a gas, seethe.
Pure water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
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Boil
To feel uncomfortably hot.
I’m boiling in here – could you open the window?
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Boil
(transitive) To form, or separate, by boiling or evaporation.
To boil sugar or salt
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Boil
To be agitated like boiling water; to bubble; to effervesce.
The boiling waves of the sea
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Boil
To be moved or excited with passion; to be hot or fervid.
His blood boils with anger.
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Boil
To be agitated, or tumultuously moved, as a liquid by the generation and rising of bubbles of steam (or vapor), or of currents produced by heating it to the boiling point; to be in a state of ebullition; as, the water boils.
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Boil
To be agitated like boiling water, by any other cause than heat; to bubble; to effervesce; as, the boiling waves.
He maketh the deep to boil like a pot.
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Boil
To pass from a liquid to an aëriform state or vapor when heated; as, the water boils away.
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Boil
To be moved or excited with passion; to be hot or fervid; as, his blood boils with anger.
Then boiled my breast with flame and burning wrath.
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Boil
To heat to the boiling point, or so as to cause ebullition; as, to boil water.
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Boil
To form, or separate, by boiling or evaporation; as, to boil sugar or salt.
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Boil
To subject to the action of heat in a boiling liquid so as to produce some specific effect, as cooking, cleansing, etc.; as, to boil meat; to boil clothes.
The stomach cook is for the hall,And boileth meate for them all.
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Boil
To steep or soak in warm water.
To try whether seeds be old or new, the sense can not inform; but if you boil them in water, the new seeds will sprout sooner.
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Boil
A hard, painful, inflamed tumor, which, on suppuration, discharges pus, mixed with blood, and discloses a small fibrous mass of dead tissue, called the core.
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Boil
The temperature at which a liquid boils at sea level;
The brought to water to a boil
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Boil
Come to the boiling point and change from a liquid to vapor;
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius
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Boil
Bring to, or maintain at, the boiling point;
Boil this liquid until it evaporates
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Boil
Be in an agitated emotional state;
The customer was seething with anger
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Boil
Pus-filled lump
She applied a warm compress to the boil to ease discomfort.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can cysts become cancerous?
Most cysts are benign, but some types can potentially become cancerous.
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Can boils occur anywhere on the body?
Boils commonly occur on the face, neck, armpits, buttocks, and thighs.
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Are cysts always visible?
Some cysts are under the skin and may not be immediately visible.
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What is a cyst?
A cyst is a closed pocket of tissue that can contain fluid, air, or other substances.
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Can boils spread?
Yes, boils can spread bacteria to other parts of the skin.
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How are boils treated?
Boils may be treated with antibiotics or drained by a healthcare professional.
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How can cysts be prevented?
Some cysts can't be prevented, but good hygiene and skin care can reduce the risk.
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Can cysts recur after removal?
Some types of cysts can recur even after surgical removal.
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What are the symptoms of a boil?
Symptoms include a red, swollen, and painful lump on the skin.
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Do boils leave scars?
Some boils can leave scars, especially if they are large or recurrent.
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What are the risks of untreated boils?
Untreated boils can lead to serious infections or spread to other areas.
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Are there home remedies for cysts?
Some small cysts may respond to warm compresses, but medical advice is recommended.
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How long do boils take to heal?
Boils can take a few days to two weeks to heal, depending on severity.
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Can I pop a cyst at home?
It's not recommended to pop a cyst at home due to infection risk.
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What types of cysts are there?
There are various types, including sebaceous, ovarian, and ganglion cysts.
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Do cysts require medical attention?
Cysts often don't require treatment unless they cause discomfort or complications.
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Can lifestyle changes prevent boils?
Good hygiene and proper nutrition can help prevent boils.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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