Boils vs Abscess

Deep bacterial infection of a hair follicle producing a tender lump. A localised pocket of pus within or under the skin.

Research updated 2026-10-23

Educational illustration of one localized swollen follicular bump with a small pale pustular center on an upper arm on light skin.

AI-generated educational illustration: A small dome-shaped localized tender-looking red swollen bump on adult upper arm beneath intact skin; no incision or large open wound.

Key differences What is it?What it looks like Diagrams When it starts Triggers Daily Care Treatment Outlook Complications When to get help Questions

Key differences

The same eight facts on every condition comparison.

Usual age

Any age

Where

Hair-bearing, rubbed skin

Armpits, groin, buttocks; anywhere

Main sign

A tender red lump that comes to a head

A tender, swollen pocket of pus

Itch or pain

Painful

Contagious

The bacteria can spread

Long term

Drains and heals; can recur

Clears once drained

Scars

Can leave a small scar

Who gets it

Anyone; staph carriers

Anyone; more with diabetes or friction

What is it?

Boils

Abscess

What is it?

What it is
Deep bacterial infection of a hair follicle producing a tender lump.

What it is
A localised pocket of pus within or under the skin.

What it looks like

Boils

A shoulder with a raised red bump and a small yellow-white center.

Boils A rounded red swelling stands out on the shoulder.

Abscess

An upper arm with a rounded red bump and a pale-yellow central point.

Abscess A red swelling rises above the surrounding upper-arm skin.

Skin tones

Educational illustration of one localized swollen follicular bump with a small pale pustular center on an upper arm on medium skin.

Educational illustration of one localized swollen follicular bump with a small pale pustular center on an upper arm on brown skin.

Educational illustration of one localized swollen follicular bump with a small pale pustular center on an upper arm on deep skin.

a localized raised abscess on light skin.

a localized raised abscess on medium skin.

a localized raised abscess on brown skin.

a localized raised abscess on deep skin.

In the skin

Bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus, infect a hair follicle and nearby tissue. A deeper collection of pus forms as the immune system responds.

An infection can lead to a localized collection of pus within tissue. The surrounding inflammatory response creates a tender, swollen cavity rather than diffuse inflammation alone.

When it usually starts

010203040506070+

Boils. Can occur at any age.

Abscess. Can occur at any age.

Causes and triggers

Causes

Usually staphylococcal bacteria infect a follicle and nearby tissue.

An infection can create a walled-off collection of pus.

Risk factors

Skin breaks, Bacterial colonisation, Diabetes or immune suppression

Trigger

● Boils

● Abscess

Skin injury

Can contribute

Friction

Can contribute

Daily Care

Boils

Abscess

Daily care

Habits that help

Keep the area gently clean and cover any drainage
Use a clean non-stick dressing and replace it when wet, dirty or as instructed.
Wash hands before and after dressing changes
Dispose of used dressings safely and clean surfaces contaminated by drainage.
Keep towels, washcloths and razors for your own use
Launder items that touch the affected area and let them dry fully.
Reduce pressure and rubbing over the lump
Choose loose clothing and avoid shaving across inflamed skin.
Use a comfortably warm clean compress for a small boil
Hold it on for 10–15 minutes several times daily; avoid hot temperatures and never force drainage.

Avoid

Avoid: Squeezing, lancing or piercing the lump at home
This can spread infection; a collection of pus may need professional drainage.
Avoid: Delaying assessment for spreading redness, fever or worsening pain
Home care does not replace drainage or antibiotics when they are needed.

Habits that help

Keep the area gently clean and cover any drainage
Use a clean non-stick dressing and replace it when wet, dirty or as instructed.
Wash hands before and after dressing changes
Dispose of used dressings safely and clean surfaces contaminated by drainage.
Keep towels, washcloths and razors for your own use
Launder items that touch the affected area and let them dry fully.
Reduce pressure and rubbing over the lump
Choose loose clothing and avoid shaving across inflamed skin.
Follow the wound-care plan after professional drainage
Keep dressing and follow-up appointments; do not remove packing unless told to do so.

Avoid

Avoid: Squeezing, lancing or piercing the lump at home
This can spread infection; a collection of pus may need professional drainage.
Avoid: Delaying assessment for spreading redness, fever or worsening pain
Home care does not replace drainage or antibiotics when they are needed.

Treatment differences

Evidence labels come from each condition’s own treatment list.

Treatment

● Boils

● Abscess

Prescription pills

Antibiotics when indicated

Listed

Spreading infection, systemic illness or individual risk factors may require antibiotics alongside source control.

Antibiotics when indicated

Listed

Spreading infection, systemic illness or individual risk factors may require antibiotics alongside source control.

Procedures

Incision and drainage

Listed

A clinician may need to drain a collection of pus; do not lance it at home.

Incision and drainage

Listed

A clinician may need to drain a collection of pus; do not lance it at home.

Outlook

Long term

A boil can heal after it drains, but deeper or worsening infections may need professional treatment. Repeated boils warrant assessment for contributing factors rather than repeated squeezing or self-drainage.

A skin abscess often improves after appropriate drainage; some also need antibiotics. It can recur if a contributor remains, and spreading redness, fever or worsening pain needs prompt review.