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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Furuncle and Folliculitis?

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Folliculitis and furuncle (also known as a boil) are both skin infections caused by bacteria, but they differ in the extent and nature of the infection. Here are the main differences between the two:

  • Folliculitis: This is the inflammation of hair follicles due to an infection, injury, or irritation. It is characterized by tender, swollen areas that form around hair follicles, often on the neck, breasts, buttocks, and face. Folliculitis is typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
  • Furuncle (Boil): A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a pus-filled lesion that is painful and usually firm. Boils occur when infection around the hair follicles spreads deeper. They are usually located in areas such as the waist, groin, buttocks, and under the arm. Carbuncles are clusters of boils that are usually found on the back of the neck or thigh.

In summary, folliculitis is an inflammation of hair follicles, while a furuncle (boil) is a deeper infection that results in a pus-filled lesion. Both conditions are caused by bacterial infections, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common causative bacteria.

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  • What is the Difference Between Furuncle and Folliculitis?
  • Comparative Table: Furuncle vs Folliculitis

    • Comparative Table: Furuncle vs Folliculitis

    Here is a table comparing furuncle and folliculitis:

    Feature Furuncle Folliculitis
    Definition A furuncle, also known as a boil, is a pus-filled lesion on the skin caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. Folliculitis is the inflammation of the hair follicles, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, medication, or physical injury.
    Occurrence Furuncles can only happen due to an infection. Folliculitis can occur due to an infection, injury, or irritation.
    Depth Furuncles involve a deeper infection of the hair follicle, in which purulent material extends through the skin, forming a small abscess. Folliculitis can be superficial or deep and can affect any hair-bearing area of the skin.
    Symptoms Furuncles are painful, firm, or fluctuant masses of walled-off purulent material under the skin, often associated with the skin around the affected area becoming red and tender. Folliculitis appears as papular or pustular inflammation of hair follicles, sometimes leading to multiple pustular or papular perifollicular lesions.
    Causes Furuncles are typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which infect the hair follicle and produce pus. Folliculitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial infections (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa), viruses, parasites, medication, or physical injury.
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.