What is the difference between a sebaceous cyst and an abscess, their symptoms, and how to get rid of them? A sebaceous cyst is a non-cancerous pocket filled with a fatty substance and usually doesn't cause pain, while an abscess is a pus-filled infection that may occur as a result of inflammation of the sebaceous cyst. We will explain the difference between them in terms of symptoms, causes, and effective treatment methods in the rest of the article.
What is a sebaceous cyst
A sebaceous cyst is a common skin problem in which a solid lump filled with fluid and fatty substance appears under the skin. It is non-cancerous and is usually white or yellow in color and can move easily under the skin.
What is an abscess
An abscess is a painful collection of pus under the skin. It is a pus-filled infection that is painful, swollen, and red. It may occur as a result of inflammation of the sebaceous cyst or develop independently.
What are the types of abscesses
Abscesses are divided into two main types based on their location:
An internal abscess develops and grows inside the body, in an organ or in the spaces between organs.
An internal abscess develops and grows under the skin.
Symptoms of a sebaceous cyst and abscess
Symptoms of a sebaceous cyst include:
- A lump under the skin in the form of small, round bumps that can be easily moved under the skin.
- It usually appears on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, scalp, and face.
- The cyst ranges in color from white to yellow because it contains keratin and fat.
- It is painless but may be painful to the touch.
Common symptoms of an abscess include:
- A painful, reddened, and swollen area under the skin.
- White or yellow pus appears beneath the surface.
- Fever and chills.
- Blisters or peeling of the skin.
- Fluid discharge from the skin.
- Persistent pain in the affected area.
- Swelling in the area of the abscess.
Causes of Sebaceous Cysts
Sebaceous cysts are primarily caused by:
- Blockage of the sebaceous glands, which occurs when oil and impurities accumulate, obstructing the secretion of sebum and leading to its accumulation within the gland, forming a cyst.
- Hormonal changes can lead to increased sebum secretion, increasing the likelihood of cyst formation.
- Certain skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis.
- Gland damage resulting from trauma, such as a scratch or surgical wound.
- Genetics plays a role in the formation of sebaceous cysts.
Causes of Abscesses
An abscess develops as a result of a bacterial infection. Other causes of abscesses include:
- Foreign bodies in the body, such as thorns or metal fragments.
- Skin injuries or trauma.
- Other types of infections, such as viral or parasitic infections.
- Surgery.
Risk Factors for Abscesses
There are some factors that may increase the likelihood of developing an abscess, including:
- A weakened immune system, such as those with HIV, cancer, or those receiving chemotherapy.
- People with diabetes or ulcerative colitis.
- People carrying staphylococcus bacteria.
- People with severe burns or ijuries.
- People with obesity.
What is the difference between a sebaceous cyst and an abscess
A sebaceous cyst is a non-cancerous pocket filled with a fatty substance and is usually painless. An abscess is a pus-filled infection that is red, swollen, and painful.
Diagnosing a sebaceous cyst
The diagnosis of a sebaceous cyst relies on a clinical examination performed by a specialist physician to assess the shape, size, and texture of the cyst.
The doctor may request other tests, such as a CT scan or ultrasound, to accurately determine its location, especially in complex cases.
How is an abscess diagnosed
Diagnosing an internal abscess is more difficult than diagnosing a skin abscess because it is invisible to the naked eye. Imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI are often required. Skin abscesses are diagnosed by:
- Examining the affected area and taking the patient's medical history.
- A sample of the pus from the abscess is taken to determine the type of bacteria causing it.
- A urine test is performed to detect sugar or glucose in the urine.
Abscess prevention methods
There are some measures that may help prevent skin abscesses, including:
- Washing hands frequently.
- Not sharing bathroom items, such as towels, with others.
- Do not squeeze skin abscesses to draw out and drain pus except by a specialist.
- Dispose of tissues used to wipe pus from skin abscesses.
- Following a healthy, balanced diet.
- Quitting smoking.
Summary of the difference between a sebaceous cyst and an abscess
A sebaceous cyst is a noncancerous pocket filled with a fatty substance and is usually painless, while an abscess is a pus-filled infection that may result from inflammation of the sebaceous cyst and can cause pain.
A sebaceous cyst and an abscess appear similar, but the main difference between them is that a sebaceous cyst is not caused by an infection, while an abscess is caused by a bacterial or viral infection.