How To Tell The Difference Between A Boil vs Cyst

Boils and cysts are fairly common skin conditions that are often confused, but they are quite different in appearance, cause, and treatment. At Midwest Minor Medical, our providers can diagnose and treat both conditions quickly, often on the same day, to help you find relief and avoid complications like scarring or infection. Please keep reading to learn the key differences between a boil vs cyst and which scenarios warrant a visit to urgent care. 

Causes of a Boil vs a Cyst

Boils

A boil (also called a furuncle) is caused by a bacterial infection. The infection starts in a hair follicle or oil gland and causes pus to build up beneath the skin. Poor hygiene, friction from clothing, small cuts, ingrown hairs, immune system issues, or exposure to staph bacteria increase your risk.

Cysts

A cyst, on the other hand, is not usually caused by infection. It is a closed sac of tissue filled with fluid, keratin, or debris. Cysts can develop due to clogged glands, trauma, acne, genetics, or underlying medical conditions. They tend to grow slowly and are typically not painful unless infected or in a high use area.

Appearance of Boil vs Cyst

Boils are dramatic. They grow quickly, turning red, swollen, and warm to the touch. A white or yellow tip often forms as the pus collects near the surface, and the lump may become increasingly painful over just a few days.

Cysts are calmer and usually painless. They’re round, firm, and sit beneath the skin like a small marble. They often move slightly when pressed and grow much more slowly, sometimes over weeks or months. Unless they’re irritated or infected, the skin over a cyst often looks completely normal.

Other Symptoms of a Boil vs a Cyst

A boil doesn’t just look angry, it feels angry. The area can throb, feel hot, and eventually drain pus on its own. Larger or deeper boils may be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes or even a fever.

Cysts tend to keep to themselves. They may cause mild tenderness or pressure, especially if they’re in a spot that gets bumped often. Some cysts can burst if you fall on it and can release thick material that smells unpleasant. Pain usually only develops if the cyst becomes infected.

Boil vs Cyst Diagnosis

Most of the time, a provider at Midwest Minor Medical can tell the difference simply by examining the lump. The shape, texture, growth rate, and symptoms all provide clues. In some cases, especially with deeper or uncertain lumps, an ultrasound may be used to get a better look. If a boil is draining, a sample of the pus can be sent for testing to identify the exact bacteria.

Treatment of a Boil vs a Cyst

Boils often benefit from warm compresses at home, which help bring the infection to the surface so it can drain. Some boils, however, are too deep or painful and need a professional incision and drainage. Antibiotics may be prescribed for larger infections or for patients with certain medical conditions.

Cysts, in contrast, can’t be “treated away” with heat or home remedies. If they are painless and not infected, they can sometimes be left alone. When a cyst becomes inflamed, irritated, or infected, treatment may involve drainage, steroid injections, or surgical removal if it keeps coming back. Only complete removal prevents a cyst from recurring.

Prevention of a Boil vs a Cyst

You can’t prevent every boil or cyst, but some habits can help. Good hygiene, clean clothing, and proper wound care reduce the risk of bacterial infections that lead to boils. People prone to friction or ingrown hairs often benefit from loose clothing and gentle exfoliation. Cysts can be harder to prevent, but avoiding aggressive skin picking, treating acne early, and practicing good hygiene can help reduce risk.

Are Boils or Cysts Dangerous?

Most are harmless, but complications can happen. Cysts are harmless unless they become infected. Untreated boils can spread infection if ignored for too long. People with weakened immune systems or diabetes should be especially cautious about any skin infection, no matter how small it seems.

When to See a Doctor for a Boil vs a Cyst

Boils

Mild boils can go away on their own, but there are a few cases when you should report to urgent care as soon as possible:

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Redness or red streaks around the boil

• Boils on your face, groin, or spine

• Recurring boils

• Vision issues

• Multiple boils

• Severe pain 

A boil on a woman’s shoulder in need of attention. Notice the deep read surrounding the “head,” which is filled with pus. 

Cysts

Whether or not your cyst needs urgent care evaluation depends on the type of cyst and accompanying symptoms. A cyst can form nearly anywhere on the body, but these are some of the most common types that are seen in urgent care (and why):

Sebaceous Cysts

These are the classic “skin cysts” filled with keratin. They may need urgent care if:

• The cyst bursts and drains foul-smelling thick material

• Surrounding skin becomes red, hot, swollen, or painful

• Other signs of infection are present (pus, fever, spreading redness)

• The cyst rapidly enlarges

A sebaceous cyst preparing to be drained by a medical professional. 

Pilonidal Cysts

These are located near the tailbone at the top of the buttocks. They are common in young adults and people who sit for long periods. A pilonidal cyst may require urgent care treatment if:

• The cyst becomes very painful

• It ruptures and drains blood or pus

• There is difficulty sitting or walking

• Fever or spreading redness occurs
  

A pilonidal cyst can form a large abscess that may need medical drainage if not seen to early on.

A pilonidal cyst. These can be quite large and develop into an abscess if ruptured and left untreated. 

Bartholin Cysts or Abscesses

These occur at the vaginal opening when the Bartholin gland duct is blocked. Visit urgent care if any of the following are present:

• Severe pain when sitting, walking, or during movement

• The gland area becomes swollen, red, warm, or very tender

• The cyst bursts and drains pus or foul-smelling fluid

• Fever develops

  

  A Bartholin cyst just to the right of the vaginal opening. These are not typically an issue unless ruptured or causing discomfort.

  
  

Breast Cysts

These are fluid-filled sacs in breast tissue; while usually benign, you should visit urgent care if: 

• The cyst ruptures and causes sudden, sharp pain

• There is redness, warmth, or swelling that could suggest infection

• Nipple discharge or fever occurs
  

Your urgent care provider will perform an exam and ask questions to help rule out infection of your cyst or another condition, such as mastitis. If it is ruled non-emergent, your provider may recommend that you follow up with your Ob/Gyn for further evaluation.  

Cysts often form in breast tissue and are usually benign, but can be mistaken for other issues or become infected.

Ganglion Cysts

These cysts are usually found on the wrist, hand, ankle, or foot. They are quite common and don’t usually cause problems. However, like other types of cysts, report to urgent care if you experience:

• Sudden swelling, severe pain, or redness

• The cyst ruptures after trauma

• You cannot move the joint normally

• Symptoms suggest infection (rare but possible)
  

A ruptured ganglion cyst can cause significant inflammation, and the pain may mimic a more serious injury. 

Ganglion cyst of the wrist. It is quite large and, should it rupture, may require urgent care to reduce swelling and avoid infection.

Ovarian Cysts

These are typically deeper and not usually seen in urgent care, but sometimes patients go to urgent care first, so we will discuss the symptoms here:

• Sudden pelvic pain

• Pain after a cyst ruptures (can be sharp and severe)

• Nausea or vomiting

• Lightheadedness or fainting
  

Because a ruptured ovarian cyst can mimic appendicitis or ectopic pregnancy, most urgent cares will triage and redirect to the ER, but urgent care assessment can still be appropriate.

A cyst on the right ovary. When these rupture, they often produce symptoms similar to emergency situations, such as appendicitis or an ectopic pregnancy. You may be referred to the ER if you present with sudden pelvic pain.

What Treatment Options Does Our Clinic Provide for Boils and Cysts?

At Midwest Minor Medical, many treatments can be completed during the same visit. Our team can:

• Examine and diagnose your lump

• Provide incision and drainage when needed

• Prescribe oral or topical antibiotics

• Offer steroid injections for inflamed cysts

• Provide wound care and follow-up appointments

• Refer for surgical cyst removal when appropriate
  

Visit Our Urgent Care in West Omaha

If you’re dealing with a painful or concerning lump, don’t wait. The team at Midwest Minor Medical can help you find fast relief and peace of mind. Visit our West Omaha urgent care today for expert evaluation and treatment of boils, cysts, and other skin conditions.