Boil vs. Folliculitis

The differences between furuncles and folliculitis are mainly reflected in the following aspects: 1. **Etiology**: Furuncles are primarily caused by poor personal hygiene, stimulation from sweat secretion, and compromised skin barrier function, leading to bacterial proliferation and reproduction around the hair follicles or sebaceous glands. In contrast, folliculitis is mainly caused by skin injuries, hair plucking that irritates the hair follicles, and subsequent infection by external pathogens such as bacteria or fungi. 2. **Clinical Manifestations**: Furuncles commonly occur on the face, head, buttocks, and back, presenting as localized, painful, erythematous, swollen, and warm hard nodules, with central yellowish-white pustules that may rupture and discharge pus. Folliculitis typically develops on the face, head, buttocks, and genital areas, primarily forming erythematous papules around the hair follicles, which may be accompanied by local swelling, increased skin temperature, pain, or itching. 3. **Treatment**: Furuncles, caused by bacterial infection, are commonly treated with topical application of antibiotics such as mupirocin ointment, or oral administration of anti-infective agents such as potassium penicillin V tablets or cefixime capsules. Folliculitis may be caused by infection with bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens, and treatment should be selected according to the specific pathogen involved—for example, fusidic acid cream or erythromycin ointment for bacterial infections, and ketoconazole cream or triamcinolone益康唑 cream for fungal infections.