An abscess and a furuncle are both skin conditions that involve the formation of painful, swollen lumps filled with pus, but they have some key differences:

1. Cause:
– Abscess: An abscess is a localized collection of pus that can develop anywhere in the body, including the skin, as a result of infection, inflammation, or injury.
– Furuncle: A furuncle, also known as a boil, is a specific type of abscess that forms in a hair follicle and its surrounding tissues. It’s usually caused by a bacterial infection, often by Staphylococcus aureus.

2. Location:
– Abscess: It can occur in various parts of the body, including internal organs, whereas skin abscesses are found on the surface of the skin.
– Furuncle: It specifically forms in hair follicles and is typically found on the skin, especially in areas with hair, like the neck, face, buttocks, and thighs.

3. Appearance:
– Abscess: It appears as a swollen, painful lump that may or may not have a visible head or opening. The surrounding skin may be red and warm to the touch.
– Furuncle: A furuncle often begins as a tender, red nodule, which gradually fills with pus and develops a visible, pimple-like head (pustule) at its center.

4. Causes of Infection:
– Abscess: The infection leading to an abscess can result from various sources, including bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
– Furuncle: Furuncles are primarily caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly by Staphylococcus aureus.

In summary, both abscesses and furuncles involve the formation of pus-filled lumps on the skin, but abscesses can occur anywhere in the body, while furuncles specifically develop in hair follicles and are usually caused by a bacterial infection. Treatment may vary depending on the severity and location of the condition.