Pilonidal Cyst vs Boils

Pilonidal disease involves hair-containing pits or tracts near the top of the buttock cleft. Deep bacterial infection of a hair follicle producing a tender lump.

Research updated 2026-10-23

Pilonidal Cyst, representative educational image.

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

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

15 to 30

Any age

Where

Top of the buttock cleft

Hair-bearing, rubbed skin

Main sign

Pits or a painful swelling

A tender red lump that comes to a head

Itch or pain

Painful when infected

Painful

Contagious

The bacteria can spread

Long term

Often returns without surgery

Drains and heals; can recur

Scars

After surgery

Can leave a small scar

Who gets it

Young men; hairy, seated jobs

Anyone; staph carriers

What is it?

Pilonidal Cyst

Boils

What is it?

What it is
Pilonidal disease involves hair-containing pits or tracts near the top of the buttock cleft.

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

What it looks like

Pilonidal Cyst

Clinical illustration needed

Boils

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

Boils A rounded red swelling stands out on the shoulder.

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.

In the skin

Loose hairs penetrate susceptible skin in the cleft between the buttocks. The resulting foreign-body reaction can form an inflamed cavity or sinus tract.

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

When it usually starts

010203040506070+

Pilonidal Cyst. Most common after puberty in adolescents and young adults.

Boils. Can occur at any age.

Causes and triggers

Causes

Loose hairs penetrate susceptible skin and drive inflammation in the cleft.

Usually staphylococcal bacteria infect a follicle and nearby tissue.

Risk factors

Deep buttock cleft, Coarse body hair, Prolonged sitting

Skin breaks, Bacterial colonisation, Diabetes or immune suppression

Trigger

● Pilonidal Cyst

● Boils

Friction

Can contribute

Pressure

Can contribute

Not listed

Skin injury

Not listed

Can contribute

Daily Care

Pilonidal Cyst

Boils

Daily care

Habits that help

Keep the cleft gently clean and dry
Shower or wash as advised and dry the area carefully.
Reduce prolonged pressure and rubbing when sore
Change position regularly and choose comfortable clothing.
Follow the clinic’s dressing plan if there is drainage or surgery
Keep follow-up appointments for wound review.
Discuss hair control with the treating clinician
The safest method depends on whether skin is inflamed, open or recently operated on.
Seek review for increasing pain, swelling, drainage or fever
Daily hygiene does not replace treatment of an active abscess.
Discuss recurrent-disease treatment
Persistent pits or draining tracts may need a planned procedure and an individual hair-management strategy.

Avoid

Avoid: Squeezing, piercing or shaving an inflamed lump
A painful abscess may need prompt drainage.

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.

Treatment differences

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

Treatment

● Pilonidal Cyst

● Boils

Prescription pills

None listed

Antibiotics when indicated

Listed

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

Procedures

Abscess drainage

Listed

An acutely painful pilonidal abscess usually needs prompt surgical assessment.

Incision and drainage

Listed

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

Outlook

Long term

A painful abscess can improve after drainage, but underlying pits or tracts may remain. Persistent or recurrent disease needs a longer-term plan, sometimes including surgery.

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.