Acne, Boils, and Cysts: What’s Causing Those Lumps and Bumps?

Skin conditions like acne, boils, and cysts are more than just a cosmetic concern. They can be painful, persistent, and confusing. At the Baltimore Center for Skin Cancer and Skincare, Dr. James K. Poulton and Dr. Thomas F. Smith help patients figure out the causes of these common skin problems and offer treatment based on medical insight and practical care.
If you’re noticing unusual or recurring lumps beneath your skin, it’s time to take a closer look at what that means for your health.

Understanding the Differences

Not every bump is the same. Here’s a basic overview of what could be happening beneath the surface:

• Acne is caused by clogged pores, oil buildup, and inflammation. It can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, or painful nodules. Hormonal shifts, stress, and genetics all contribute to oil buildup.
• Boils (also called furuncles) are painful, red lumps filled with pus. They’re usually the result of a bacterial infection in a hair follicle and may drain on their own or require medical treatment.
• Cysts are typically slow-growing, smooth lumps under the skin. They can form from oil gland blockages, trauma, or infections, and often feel like a small marble. Some resolve without treatment, but many need to be drained or surgically removed.

Because these conditions can look and feel similar, a proper diagnosis at our Baltimore, Maryland, office is essential, especially when symptoms are persistent or spreading.

What’s Behind These Skin Problems?

There’s no single cause for acne, boils, or cysts. Often, a mix of factors is at play:

• Overactive oil glands or hormonal fluctuations
• Friction from clothing or shaving
• Genetic predisposition
• Bacterial or fungal infections
• Inflammatory conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa

If you’ve tried over-the-counter treatments without success, or if your skin issues are interfering with your daily life, Dr. Poulton and Dr. Smith can help identify the cause and recommend next steps.

Treatment Options That Match the Cause

Treatment differs based on which factors are involved in your case. Individualized care plans at the Baltimore Center for Skin Cancer and Skincare may include:

• Prescription topical or oral medications for acne and inflammation
• Drainage or minor surgical removal of cysts and boils
• Antibiotics or antibacterial washes to manage infections
• Ongoing skin maintenance to prevent recurrence

We also screen for skin disorders that could be contributing to recurring cysts or chronic inflammation.

When to See a Dermatologist

Don’t ignore lumps that are painful, getting larger, or not going away. These symptoms may indicate an infection, or in rare cases, something more serious. Our dermatologists, Dr. James K. Poulton and Dr. Thomas F. Smith, are trained to distinguish between everyday skin concerns and more complex conditions that need specialized care.
Whether it’s acne that won’t clear, a painful boil, or a cyst that keeps coming back, we’re here to help you understand what’s going on and what you can do about it. At the Baltimore Center for Skin Cancer and Skincare, we provide expert dermatologic care with clarity and no scare tactics. Call us at (410) 942-9627 to schedule an evaluation.