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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Moderate
2
Symptoms
3
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Boils

Moderate
2
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when arteries outside the heart become narrowed or blocked, most often reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. Many people have few or no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include pain, aching, numbness, or heaviness in the legs during walking. Severe disease can cause poorly healing wounds and tissue damage.
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.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Brittle Nails Unsteady Gait
Only in Right Disease
Eye Pain Sudden Vision Loss

Causes

Shared
Obesity
Only in Left Disease
High Cholesterol Smoking
Only in Right Disease
Infection

Diagnosis

Peripheral Artery Disease
Doctors diagnose peripheral artery disease using a medical history and physical examination, including checking pulses and circulation in the legs and feet. The ankle-brachial index, which compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm, is commonly used. Additional vascular or imaging tests may be performed when needed to determine the location and severity of narrowed or blocked arteries.
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.

Prevention

Peripheral Artery Disease
Risk of peripheral artery disease can be reduced by avoiding tobacco and maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body weight, and activity levels. Regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet can help reduce atherosclerosis risk. People with diabetes or other cardiovascular risk factors should follow recommended treatment and monitoring plans to protect blood-vessel health.
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.

Risk Factors

Peripheral Artery Disease
Smoking is the most important risk factor for peripheral artery disease. Risk also increases with older age and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and previous stroke. A family history of vascular disease and other factors associated with atherosclerosis can also increase risk. Having PAD is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events.
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.

Treatment

Peripheral Artery Disease
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Boils
Treatment comparison will be available soon.