"What Are the Differences Between a Bartholins Cyst and a Folliculitis?"

Differences Between Bartholin's Cyst and Folliculitis

The distinction between Bartholin's cyst and folliculitis lies in their etiology, symptoms, and treatment methods. As two distinct medical conditions, their specific differences are analyzed as follows:

I. Different Etiologies

Bartholin's Cyst: Primarily caused by chronic inflammation or congenital vascular stenosis and damage, it results from blockage of the opening of the Bartholin's gland duct, leading to the accumulation of secretions within the glandular cavity. Recurrence is relatively common.

Folliculitis: An inflammatory skin disease, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection, especially under conditions such as skin trauma, wearing tight clothing, skin friction, and eczema.

II. Different Symptoms

Bartholin's Cyst: Small cysts may be asymptomatic and are often discovered during gynecological examinations. Larger cysts may cause feelings of fullness or discomfort in the vulva, discomfort during sexual intercourse. In cases of infection, patients may experience pain in the cyst area, pain during sexual intercourse, discomfort when walking or sitting, and abnormal vaginal discharge.

Folliculitis: Typically presents as red papules centered on hair follicles, pustules, itching, pain, pustule rupture, and scabbing.

III. Different Treatment Methods

Bartholin's Cyst: If small and asymptomatic, observation is recommended. However, for larger cysts or severe symptoms, treatments such as cyst/abscess marsupialization, incision and drainage, or glandectomy may be advised under medical guidance.

Folliculitis: Mild cases often resolve without treatment. For more severe symptoms, treatments such as povidone-iodine solution, mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, ketoconazole cream, cefuroxime axetil tablets, and fluconazole tablets may be prescribed under medical supervision. For folliculitis progressing to larger boils or carbuncles, incision and drainage may be necessary.