Bartholin cysts are common fluid-filled lumps that form near the opening of your vagina. When infected, they can become abscesses, which can have more severe symptoms and require different treatments.

Mark Gurarie is a writer covering health topics, technology, music, books, and culture. He also teaches health science and research writing at George Washington University's School of Medical and ...

Katlein Franca, MD, is a dermatologist and clinical associate professor of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami. Boils start as tender bumps ...

An abscess occurs when an infection causes a pocket of pus to develop. Abscesses can develop on the skin, in the mouth, or inside the body. Bacterial infections typically cause abscesses. Pus develops ...

Boils are painful, pus-filled, and are caused by infections like Staphylococcus aureus. Cysts are painless, non-infectious growths filled with keratin or other substances. Antibiotics may treat boils ...