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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Boils

Moderate
2
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Urethritis

Moderate
3
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Boils
A boil is a painful, pus-filled lump caused by an infection involving a hair follicle and nearby skin tissue. It may start as a tender, swollen area and enlarge as pus builds up. Several nearby boils can join to form a carbuncle.
Urethritis
Urethritis is inflammation and irritation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the body. It may cause burning or pain during urination, urinary urgency or frequency, discharge, itching, or discomfort around the genital area. Urethritis can affect both men and women and may be caused by infections or by noninfectious irritation. Identifying the cause is important because untreated infectious urethritis can lead to complications and may be transmitted to sexual partners.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Eye Pain Sudden Vision Loss
Only in Right Disease
Frequent Urination Premature Ejaculation Urgent Urination

Causes

Shared
Infection
Only in Left Disease
Obesity
Only in Right Disease
Hormonal Imbalance

Diagnosis

Boils
A healthcare professional can usually identify a boil by examining its appearance and asking about symptoms and previous episodes. A sample of fluid or pus may be cultured to identify the organism. Recurrent boils or signs of a wider infection may warrant further evaluation.
Urethritis
Diagnosis involves a medical history, physical examination, and testing to identify infection or another cause of inflammation. Depending on the symptoms, healthcare professionals may examine the genital and abdominal areas and assess for discharge or tenderness. Urinalysis and urine cultures may be performed, along with specific tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted infections. A urethral swab or additional investigations may be used when clinically appropriate.

Prevention

Boils
Regular handwashing, keeping skin clean, and keeping cuts clean and covered can reduce infection risk and spread. Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or razors. Cover draining areas with a clean dressing and wash hands after contact. These measures reduce risk but cannot prevent every boil.
Urethritis
Prevention of infectious urethritis includes reducing exposure to sexually transmitted infections through safer sexual practices, appropriate barrier protection, and testing when exposure or symptoms occur. Prompt evaluation of urinary or genital symptoms can help identify infections before complications develop. When urethritis is caused by an infection, appropriate evaluation and treatment of sexual partners may help prevent reinfection. Avoiding known chemical irritants or sources of urethral injury may help prevent noninfectious forms.

Risk Factors

Boils
Boils may be more likely with diabetes, conditions that weaken the immune system, certain skin conditions such as eczema, obesity, or close contact with someone who has boils. These factors affect susceptibility or exposure; a boil is not, by itself, evidence of poor personal hygiene.
Urethritis
Risk factors include a history of sexually transmitted infections, having multiple sexual partners, and sexual activity that increases exposure to infectious organisms. Urethritis can also occur after irritation or injury to the urethra. Some infections may occur more frequently in particular age or sex groups. Previous urethritis or other genitourinary infections may also be relevant. Appropriate sexual health practices can reduce exposure to infectious causes.

Treatment

Boils
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Urethritis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.