How to tell the difference

Pimples and boils are troublesome skin problems that can sometimes cause similar symptoms.

Pores are tiny openings in the skin that allow oil to seep out and keep the skin soft. A pimple is a result of a pore becoming clogged.

A boil, or furuncle, is a pus-filled lump caused by bacterial infection. It can appear red and swollen.

While a person can treat both boils and pimples at home, boils can sometimes turn into a severe infection known as a carbuncle.

Learn more about the difference between boils and pimples in this article.

A pimple is often the result of excess oil production or a buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria. People may be more likely to develop pimples during puberty, when the body makes more hormones that can cause excessive production of oil.

Sometimes a bacteria type called Propionibacterium acnes can infiltrate the skin and cause further redness, pain, and irritation.

Pimples most commonly occur on the face, but can also appear on the back or neck. They have many forms, including blackheads, whiteheads, and papules. Some may be pus-filled, so they may closely resemble boils.

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria usually live on the surface of the skin, but can reach the inner layers via a cut, bug bite, or infected hair follicle. This infiltration can result in a boil.

Boils are most likely to appear on the sweatiest areas of the skin. These include the:

• armpits
• buttocks
• face
• neck
• thighs

Boils start out as a small, round bump, which is usually swollen and red. Over several days, the bump will fill with pus. As the bump grows, pressure on the skin increases, eventually causing the boil to rupture and drain.

A doctor can often diagnose a boil or a pimple with a visual examination. The doctor will ask about symptoms, when the person first noticed the bumps, and whether they have tried any treatments.

Additional symptoms, the location of the bumps, and the condition of the surrounding skin help a doctor to diagnose pimples or boils. Invasive testing is usually not required.

Treatments for boils and pimples differ. Below, find some of the most common techniques.

Pimples

For most people, a thorough skincare routine can help to reduce the incidence of pimples. However, it can take 6 to 8 weeks for a pimple to completely heal.

A skincare routine for pimples should include:

• washing the skin in the morning and evening with warm, not hot, water and a mild cleanser
• using a product containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, to reduce oil and buildup of dead skin cells in the pores
• applying a gentle moisturizer to reduce any dryness that may have resulted from acne treatment
• exfoliating once or twice a week with a gentle scrub to prevent dead skin cells from collecting
• avoiding squeezing or popping the pimple, as this can invite bacteria into the skin and lead to scarring

If pimples do not go away with home remedies, a person may wish to speak to a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in managing skin conditions.

Boils

Share on PinterestA warm compress may be a recommended treatment for a boil.

Applying a warm compress to a boil will help to reduce pain and may encourage the boil to drain. If the boil is in a hard-to-reach area, a person can try resting in a hot bath instead.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also reduce discomfort.

A doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment designed to fight the bacteria inside the boil. Or, they may prescribe oral antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading to the blood stream.

In some cases, a doctor will surgically drain the boil and apply topical antibiotics to the area, to combat the infection.

A boil and the skin around it should be kept clean and dry. A person should wash their hands with soap and water after touching a boil, to avoid spreading the infection. Sharing personal care items, such as towels, razors, or makeup brushes can also pass the infection from person to person.

If pimples are very painful or do not improve with over-the-counter treatments, see a doctor.

A person with a boil should seek professional advice if they have the following symptoms:

• more than one boil at a time
• a fever
• a boil wider than 2 inches
• a boil that has not disappeared after 2 weeks, despite efforts to treat it at home
• a boil that keeps coming back
• a boil near the eye

Several boils that appear in the same location can join together, forming a cluster, which is known as a carbuncle. This can lead to an infection that causes cold or flu-like symptoms.

Boils and pimples are bothersome but highly treatable skin conditions.

If over-the-counter and home remedies are not sufficient, see a doctor for additional treatment.

Boil vs. Pimple: Tips for Identification

It can be difficult to determine if the irritated bump on your skin is acne or a boil. Both are caused by bacteria in the pores and hair follicles. They differ in how they are treated and factors that put them at higher risk.

All kinds of bumps and lumps can pop up on your skin. Sometimes when you notice a growth, it’s not immediately obvious what you have. A red or white-topped bump could be a pimple, but it might also be a boil. The two types of growths can look similar.

Keep reading to learn how to spot the difference between pimples and boils, and how to treat whichever one you have.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. At any given time, up to 50 million Americans will have some form of acne.

Acne comes in different sizes, shapes, and types. It often forms on the face, but you can also get breakouts on your neck, back, shoulders, and chest. There are a few kinds of acne and each looks different:

• Blackheads form at the skin’s surface and are open at the top. Visible dirt and dead skin cells inside the pore make it appear black.
• Whiteheadsform deeper in the skin. They’re closed at the top and filled with pus, which makes them look white. Pus is a thick mixture of white blood cells and bacteria.
• Papulesare larger, hard pink or red bumps that can feel sore when you touch them.
• Pustules are red, inflamed bumps that are filled with pus.
• Nodules are hard lumps that form deep inside the skin.
• Cysts are large, soft, and filled with pus.

As pimples fade, they can leave dark spots on the skin. Sometimes acne can cause permanent scars, especially if you pop or pick at your skin.

A boil is a red bump that is swollen and red around the outside. It slowly fills with pus and gets larger. You’re most likely to see boils in areas where you sweat or where your clothes rub against your skin, like your face, neck, underarms, buttocks, and thighs.

Several boils can cluster together and form a growth called a carbuncle. A carbuncle is painful, and it can leave a permanent scar. Carbuncles sometimes cause flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, and chills.

Acne starts in pores. Pores are tiny holes in your skin that are the openings to hair follicles. These holes can fill with dead skin cells, which form a plug that traps oil, bacteria, and dirt inside. Bacteria make the pore swell up and turn red. Pus, a thick, white substance made up of bacteria and white blood cells, sometimes fills the pimple.

Boils also start in hair follicles. They’re caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which usually live harmlessly on the surface of your skin. Sometimes these bacteria can get inside the hair follicle and cause an infection. An open cut or injury gives bacteria an easier access route inside.

You may associate pimples with the teenage years, but you can get them at any age. An increasing number of adults today have been diagnosed with acne.

You’re more likely to get acne if you have hormone changes, such as during puberty and pregnancy, or when you start or stop taking birth control pills. And an increase in male hormones in both males and females causes the skin to produce more oil.

Some other causes of acne include:

• taking certain medicines, such as steroids, anti-seizure drugs, or lithium
• eating certain foods, including dairy and high-carb foods
• using cosmetic products that clog pores, which are considered comedogenic
• being under stress
• having parents who had acne, which tends to run in families

Anyone can get a boil, but boils are most common among teens and young adults, especially males. Other risk factors include:

• having diabetes, which makes you more vulnerable to infections
• sharing towels, razors, or other personal hygiene items with someone who has a boil
• having eczema
• having a weakened immune system

People who get acne are also more likely to get boils.

Dermatologists treat skin conditions like acne and boils. See a dermatologist for your acne if:

• you have a lot of pimples
• over-the-counter treatments aren’t working
• you’re unhappy with the way you look, or the pimples are affecting your self-esteem

Small boils are pretty easy to treat on your own. But see a doctor if a boil:

• is on your face or spine
• is very painful
• is bigger than 2 inches across
• causes a fever
• doesn’t heal within a couple of weeks, or keeps coming back

You can often treat pimples yourself with over-the-counter creams or washes you buy at a drugstore. Usually acne products contain ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which stop your pores from getting clogged and kill bacteria on your skin.

For more severe acne, your doctor can prescribe stronger medicines, such as:

• antibiotics to kill bacteria
• birth control pills to adjust your hormone levels if you are female
• isotretinoin (Absorica, Zenatane), a form of vitamin A

If acne doesn’t improve with one of these treatments, your doctor might try:

• lasers or light therapy to reduce the amount of bacteria in your skin
• chemical peels
• drainage and extraction, in which your doctor injects medicine into a cyst and then drains it

You can treat small boils yourself by repeatedly applying a warm, wet washcloth. Eventually, the pus should drain out and cause the boil to shrink.

For larger boils, your doctor can cut a small hole and drain out the pus. You might also need to take antibiotics to treat the infection.

Do not try cutting a hole in a boil yourself. This can lead to infection and scarring.

Mild acne will often clear up on its own or with a little help from an over-the-counter treatment. Severe acne can be more difficult to treat.

When you have acne, it doesn’t just affect your skin. Widespread or constant breakouts can impact your self-esteem, and cause anxiety and depression.

Within a few days or weeks, most boils will pop. The pus inside will drain out and the lump will slowly disappear. Sometimes large boils can leave a scar. Very rarely, an infection can spread deep into the skin and cause blood poisoning.

To prevent acne breakouts:

Wash your face at least twice a day with a mild cleanser. Keeping your skin clean will prevent oil and bacteria from building up inside your pores. Be careful not to over-wash your skin, which can cause your skin to dry out and produce more oil to compensate.

Choose oil-free or noncomedogenic skin care products and makeup. These products won’t clog your pores.

Wash your hair often. Oil that builds up in your scalp can contribute to breakouts.

Limit your use of helmets, headbands, and other accessories that press against your skin for a long period of time. These products can irritate your skin and cause pimples.

To prevent boils:

• Never share personal hygiene items like razors, towels, and clothes. Unlike pimples, boils are contagious. You can catch them from someone who’s infected.
• Wash your hands with warm water and soap throughout the day to avoid transferring bacteria to your skin.
• Clean and cover open sores to prevent bacteria from getting inside and causing an infection.
• Never pick or pop a boil you already have. You could spread the bacteria.

Boils and pimples: causes, diagnosis, treatment

Contents

• 1 Boils and pimples: causes, diagnosis, treatment
  • 1. 1 Boils and pimples: causes, diagnosis, treatment
  • 1.2 Furun coula and acne: causes, diagnosis , treatment
    • 1.2.1 What are boils and pimples?
  • 1.3 Causes of boils and pimples
  • 1.4 Diagnosis of boils and pimples
  • 1.5 What should I do if a boil or pimple occurs?
  • 1.6 Treatment of boils and pimples at home
    • 1.6.1 Disinfectants
    • 1.6.2 Masks and compresses
    • 1.6.3 Nutrition and skin care
  • 1.7 Pharmacotherapy of boils and pimples
    • 1.7.1 Antibiotics
    • 1.7.2 Anti-inflammatory drugs
    • 1.7.3 Desiccant treatment
    • 1.7.4 Retinoids
  • 1.8 Prevention of boils and pimples
  • 1.9 Complications boils and acne: what you need to know?
    • 1.9.1 Symptoms of complications
    • 1.9.2 How to protect yourself
    • 1.9.3 Treatment of complications
  • 1.10 How to prevent scarring after a boil or pimple?
  • 1. 11 When should I see a doctor for boils and pimples?
  • 1.12 Common misconceptions about boils and pimples
  • 1.13 Related videos:
  • 1.14 Q&A:
    • • 1.14.0.1 What causes boils and pimples ?
      • 1.14.0.2 How to correctly diagnose boils and pimples?
      • 1.14.0.3 What are the symptoms associated with boils and pimples?
      • 1.14.0.4 How to treat boils and pimples?
      • 1.14.0.5 Can boils and pimples be prevented?
      • 1.14.0.6 What complications can arise from incorrect or untimely treatment of boils and pimples?

Find out what boils and pimples are, why they occur, how to diagnose and treat them. Read the article and get useful information!

Life without pimples or boils is the dream of many people. However, these problems of the musculoskeletal system can occur at any age and spoil not only the appearance, but also the quality of life. Often they cause complexes and discomfort. In this article, we will look at where these problems can come from and how to treat them.

Boils are an inflammatory disease that accounts for about 80% of all skin infections. Formed due to contact with bacteria that live on the skin. Specifically, boils are formed due to Staphylococcus aureus – bread sticks. The disease involves the formation of nodes on the skin with purulent contents. They appear in most cases on the face, neck, lower back, back and perineum. Among the main reasons are: violation of hygiene, skin diseases, weak immune state, contact with patients and proximity to the thematic profession.

In general, boils are a common manifestation of skin infections and are not life threatening, but may scar and restrict movement.

Boils and pimples: causes, diagnosis, treatment

Boils and pimples are two different skin pathologies, but they may have common causes. This may be a hormonal imbalance, disruption of the sebaceous glands, infectious diseases.

Diagnosis includes a skin examination by a specialist and, if necessary, additional tests. A bacteriological study will help determine the causative agent of the infection, which in turn will help prescribe the correct treatment.

Treatment of can be conservative (use of topical ointments, antiseptics and antibiotics) or surgical (for boils that do not respond to conservative treatment). But the basis of treatment is always the determination of the cause of their occurrence and its correction.

• • 1. Warning

procedures, do not suffer from stress and regularly undergo medical examinations.

Key findings: boils and pimples are skin pathologies with different causes, but requiring diagnosis and treatment; Prevention comes down to maintaining a proper diet and hygiene conditions.

Boils and pimples: causes, diagnosis, treatment

What are boils and pimples?

Boils and pimples are common skin conditions that cause various discomforts. Furuncles are an abscess that forms on the skin and is accompanied by pain and swelling. They can appear anywhere on the body and can occur singly or in groups.

Boils and pimples can be caused by various factors such as hormonal imbalance, stress, poor diet, poor hygiene, weakened immune system, etc. For proper treatment, it is necessary to determine the cause of their occurrence and select the appropriate method of treatment.

• • • To diagnose boils and pimples, your doctor may order laboratory tests, such as blood tests and smears for bacteriological examination;
    • Treatment may include topical preparations, antibiotics, skin cleansing procedures, etc.;
    • It is important to remember the importance of proper hygiene and proper nutrition in order to reduce the risk of boils and pimples.

Causes of boils and pimples

A boil or carbuncle is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. It penetrates the hair follicle and causes inflammation. The causes of boils are associated with poor hygiene, skin microtrauma, weak immunity, increased sweating, and metabolic disorders.

Acne or pimples is also an infectious disease caused by hormonal changes in the body. It manifests itself as an expansion of pores, a significant release of sebum, the formation of comedones and papules. The causes of acne are also associated with hyperproduction of fat, hormonal changes, impaired microcirculation, poor hygiene, stress, and malnutrition.

• • • Factors contributing to the occurrence of boils and pimples:
      • Reduced immune system;
      • Disorders of blood microcirculation in the skin;
      • Excess microorganisms on the skin;
      • Fatty, spicy, spicy food;
      • Enzymes of pathogenic microorganisms causing cell destruction;
      • Heredity.

Thus, the causes of boils and acne can be associated with poor hygiene, weak immunity, hormonal changes in the body, malnutrition, heredity. For prevention, it is recommended to observe hygiene, eat right, avoid stressful situations, strengthen the immune system.

Diagnosis of boils and pimples

Boils and pimples are the most common skin problems. Usually, they are diagnosed by external signs. Furuncles look like a red tumor, which is located in the scalp and is filled with purulent fluid. Pimples usually appear as black dots (comedones) or white blisters located on the skin of the face, back and chest.

For diagnosis, the doctor examines the skin and may take a sample of purulent fluid (if there is a boil) to determine the causative agent of the infection. Based on the results of the analysis, we can diagnose the cause of the boil and prescribe an appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and topical treatments.

• • • Symptoms to be considered in the diagnosis:
    • tenderness
    • redness of the skin around the mass
    • purulent contents
    • increased body temperature (in some cases)

Separately worth mentioning that boils and pimples can be caused by allergies, oily skin and hormonal imbalance. It is important to report to the doctor about all the symptoms that accompany the boil and pimple in order to find the best treatment.

What should I do if I have a boil or pimple?

Finding the first symptoms of a boil or pimple is not a pleasant situation, but you need to act quickly.

The first thing to do is not to touch the pimple or boil with your hands and do not try to squeeze it out yourself.

• • • With swelling and severe pain, you can apply a cold compress to the affected area, this will help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
    • If the swelling is severe and does not go away, be sure to contact a specialist who will determine the degree of development of the disease and prescribe a course of treatment. Do not postpone a visit to the doctor, so as not to lead the disease to surgical intervention.

Negligence in skin care often causes boils and pimples, so hygiene rules must be followed to prevent diseases. Remember, cleanliness is the key to healthy skin.

Treatment of boils and pimples at home

Decontaminants

A number of effective disinfectants can be used to treat boils and pimples at home. One of the most popular is medicated alcohol, which can be applied to the affected area of ​​the skin with a cotton ball. You can also use hydrogen peroxide or iodine, applying them to the skin with a clean tissue. It is important to remember that before using disinfectants, you need to cleanse the skin of dirt and makeup.

Masks and compresses

When treating boils and pimples at home, you can use various masks and compresses that help get rid of inflammation faster. Honey compress is one of the most popular remedies, it speeds up the process of maturation of the boil and reduces inflammation. To prepare it, you need to apply honey to the affected area, cover it with gauze and leave overnight. You can also prepare masks based on aloe vera or camphor oil, applying them to areas with acne and boils.

Nutrition and skin care

Diet is one of the factors influencing the occurrence of boils and pimples. For their treatment, it is important to monitor your diet, excluding fatty and spicy foods. You also need to pay enough attention to skin care, regularly removing impurities and avoiding the use of cosmetics that can clog the skin pores. Equally important is healthy sleep, which helps restore the natural protective functions of the skin.

Pharmacotherapy of boils and pimples

Antibiotics

Antibacterials are often used to treat boils and pimples. This is due to the fact that in most cases the lesion is caused by a bacterial infection. The appointment of antibiotics is carried out only after laboratory tests and determining the sensitivity of bacteria to them.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Boils and pimples can cause severe pain and discomfort. Anti-inflammatory drugs help manage these symptoms. They reduce swelling and inflammation, and can also lower body temperature. Such drugs can be prescribed for both external and internal use.

Desiccant treatment

Desiccant treatments are often used to treat acne, which reduce the amount of sebum produced and dry out the pimples. They contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoic acid. Such funds are used for external use.

Retinoids

Retinoids are one of the most effective acne medications. They affect the formation of sebum and reduce its amount. They also affect the regeneration of skin cells, which contributes to the rapid cure of acne. Such drugs can be prescribed both for external use and for internal use.

• • • Important! Pharmacotherapy should only be administered by a physician. Self-medication can be dangerous and harmful to health.
    • Important! The use of any drugs should be accompanied by careful skin care, daily hygiene and diet.

Prevention of boils and pimples

Boils and pimples can be caused by a variety of factors, including an unbalanced diet, lack of sleep, poor hygiene, and other causes. However, there are certain preventive measures that can reduce the risk of their occurrence.

Maintain personal hygiene

• • • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
    • Use a separate face towel and do not share it with others.
    • Wear clean clothes and bedding.

Eat Healthy A.

Maintain a healthy weight and exercise

• • • skin and lead to boils and pimples.
    • Moderate physical activity and maintenance of normal weight are recommended.

Signs to see a doctor if you have boils or pimplesFurunclesPimples

prescribing antibiotics.

When acne occurs due to hormonal imbalance, it is better to consult an endocrinologist.

Complications of boils and pimples: what you need to know?

Symptoms of complications

If a boil or pimple does not heal for a long time, increases in size, causes sharp pain or severe itching, this may be a complication. In addition, fever, redness and swelling of the skin, a sharp deterioration in well-being may occur.

How to protect yourself

If a boil or pimple develops, special precautions must be taken. You should not squeeze out the contents yourself, much less pierce the skin around the problem area. You should also avoid contact with other people and pay special attention to hygiene.

Treatment of complications

Treatment of complications of a boil or pimple should only be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics, ointments and creams for external use, treatment of the problem area with antiseptics, and other methods, depending on the specific situation.

Do not ignore the manifestations of complications and hope for self-healing. It is important to seek medical help in time and strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations.

How to prevent scarring after a boil or pimple?

After passing through the stages of maturity, a boil or pimple leaves scars on the skin that can spoil its appearance. To prevent scarring, you should follow a few recommendations.

• • • Do not touch the rash of . When trying to squeeze out a boil or pimple, the skin can be damaged and leave scars on it.
    • Use treatment products . To reduce the risk of scarring after a boil or pimple, creams, gels and other products containing active ingredients that promote wound healing and reduce inflammation should be used.
    • Maintain a healthy lifestyle . It is important to get enough sleep, eat right, do not smoke or drink alcohol, as this can have a negative effect on wound healing.

If boils or pimples regularly appear on the skin, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist.

When should I see a doctor about boils and pimples?

Boils and pimples on the skin are not always an indicator of serious health problems. However, there are certain cases when you should consult a doctor for medical assistance.

• • • What if a boil or pimple hurts and doesn’t go away for more than a week? If skin inflammation persists for more than 7 days, seek medical attention. This may be a sign that the infection is not treatable and should be treated by a specialist.
    • What are the signs of serious health problems? If a boil or pimple is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, swelling of the eyes, itching, then this may indicate a variety of health problems and requires a mandatory consultation with a doctor.
    • Which areas of the skin require more attention to boils and pimples? Certain areas of the body, such as the face, neck, armpits, and groin, are more susceptible to infections. If a boil or pimple occurs in these areas, then you need to monitor its development and, in case of deterioration, contact a dermatologist.

Basic misconceptions about boils and pimples

Boils and pimples are an inevitable sign of dirty skin. In fact, the causes of their occurrence are varied and can be associated with changes in hormone levels, an imbalance in the microflora of the skin, and the presence of hidden inflammatory processes in the body.

Nothing helps against acne, except for masks and creams. In fact, it’s important to take good care of your skin to reduce your risk of acne. For oily and combination skin, it is recommended to use special lotions and gels, as well as monitor diet and stress levels.

• • • Myth: Boils are not dangerous and can go away on their own.
    • Fact: Furuncles can be a manifestation of serious diseases such as diabetes or atherosclerosis. If they pass for several weeks and do not respond to therapy, you should consult a doctor.
    • Myth: Acne goes away with age, so it shouldn’t be treated.
    • Fact: The passage through this stage of development of the organism can be quite long. In the evening, on the day when the bump began to grow, external treatment is necessary, and a day later, an additional repetition of the procedures. It is better not to delay, consult qualified doctors.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What causes boils and pimples?

Boils and pimples are caused by increased activity of the sebaceous glands of the skin, which may be associated with hormonal changes, stress, improper diet and hygiene, as well as a violation of the immune system.

How to correctly diagnose boils and pimples?

Boils and pimples are diagnosed by a dermatologist. He examines the affected areas of the skin, may prescribe additional studies to clarify the diagnosis.

What are the symptoms associated with boils and pimples?

Boils and pimples usually cause soreness, redness, swelling and itching in the affected area. In some cases, pustular contents inside the lesion may be observed.

How to treat boils and pimples?

Treatment of boils and pimples depends on their nature and cause. Usually a course of antibiotics or local antiseptics is prescribed, in some cases surgery is required.

Can boils and pimples be prevented?

Yes, you can. To do this, you need to monitor skin hygiene, do not squeeze or squeeze boils and pimples, eat right, avoid stress and seek help from a doctor at the first sign of a problem.

What complications can arise from incorrect or untimely treatment of boils and pimples?

Incorrect or untimely treatment of boils and pimples can cause complications in the form of scars and pigmentation on the skin, as well as inflammation of the lymph nodes and even sepsis.

Boils – what are they, causes, treatment. Causes of acne

March 9, 2021

Boils and pimples are skin rashes that cause severe discomfort and have quite similar symptoms. However, keep in mind that pimples are the result of clogged pores, while boils are the result of a bacterial infection.

Both of these conditions can be self-treated at home. However, it should be borne in mind that improper treatment of a boil can lead to the development of a more dangerous infection known as a carbuncle, which requires immediate medical attention. In order to timely determine the type of skin rash and start treatment in a timely manner, we will consider both problems in more detail.

Causes of pimples

Pimples are common skin rashes that are formed as a result of excessive secretion of oil by the glands or the accumulation of bacteria and keratinized skin in the pores. Most often, acne forms during puberty, since it is during this period that the body produces a large amount of hormones that directly affect the release of fat. But in some cases, the formation of acne can be caused by bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes, which, when injected under the skin, cause pain, redness, and inflammation.

In most cases, pimples form on the face, back, neck and hands. They have many forms:

• black dots;
• papules;
• white dots.

Under certain conditions, pimples can become filled with pus and even visually resemble boils.

What are the causes of boils?

The most common cause of boils is harmful bacteria. One of them is Staphylococcus aureus. For this reason, boils are called S. aureus infections. However, it is worth noting that infection under the surface of the skin is possible only if there are scratches or cracks.

As soon as harmful bacteria enter the dermis, the immune system immediately starts to fight them, resulting in the formation of a boil or, as it is also called, a chiryak. Thus, this type of skin rash is evidence that the body is actively fighting infection. Despite this, doctors note the highest chance of the appearance of boils on the skin when the immune system is weakened, which is caused by the presence of diseases that reduce the rate of tissue regeneration.

Diagnosis

In most cases, only a visual examination is sufficient to diagnose the type of skin rash. But for an accurate diagnosis, the specialist is also interested in the symptoms, namely when the bumps were first discovered and what treatments were used to eliminate them.

Treatment

Treatment of boils and pimples has significant differences. In this regard, below we will consider effective ways to eliminate both types of skin rashes.

How to treat acne?

For many people, proper skin care can significantly reduce the incidence of acne. But for a full solution to this problem, it may take from 6 to 8 weeks. At the same time, the care procedure itself must necessarily include:

• washing in the morning and evening using warm water and mild cleansers;
• use of skin care products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to eliminate keratinized skin and reduce oiliness;
• use of moisturizing creams to eliminate dryness;
• scrub to remove dead cells;
• extrusion avoidance.

How to treat boils?

If the boil remains large for two weeks and its surface is intact, there is no need to consult a doctor. Under these conditions, within a short period of time, its size will decrease and the inflammation will completely disappear.

The treatment of boils includes several steps – drainage and healing. For the first, warm compresses are used to speed up the rupture process, as well as to accelerate the removal of fluid after it. At the same time, the application of warm compresses is also suitable for the healing process, as they reduce pain and speed up the process of tissue regeneration. To prevent the spread of staph infection, doctors strongly recommend washing hands thoroughly with soap or using antibacterial agents before performing procedures.

A doctor should be consulted if the boil has not started to resolve within 14 days of the onset or if there is severe pain. In such cases, to eliminate the infection, the patient is prescribed antibiotics and an incision is made in the abscess, followed by removal of the fluid.

Prevention of boils To do this, you need to:

• regularly wash your hands with soap;
• exactly follow the doctor’s recommendations for the care of wounds and cracked skin;
• avoid sharing personal care products;
• wash bedding regularly in hot water to kill harmful bacteria;
• Avoid contact with people who have boils.

(2016, April 15)

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15153-boils–carbuncles

Just what are pimples? (n.d.)
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