Andy Montoya
Cyst pus can have a strong odour, often described as smelling like cheese. The smell of pus is mostly affected by the type of bacteria causing the infection. While pus from minor infections like acne and skin cysts will have a lighter-coloured discharge and a milder scent, more serious infections can result in foul-smelling pus. Anaerobic infections, for example, are said to be more prone to having a strong odour. Although it is normal for pus to have a smell to some extent, it is important to consult a doctor for open wounds that are widespread or very large, or those accompanied by a fever.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cyst pus smell | Cheese-like, toe jam, dirty socks, rotting meat, dirty gym socks, sulphuric wet dog |
| Cyst location | Breast, Shoulder, Neck, behind the ears, upper back, chin, Scalp, inner thigh |
| Cyst size | Pea-sized, pencil eraser-sized, 2mm black dot with a 4mm bump underneath |
| Cyst colour | Yellowish, greenish |
| Cyst texture | Chunky, cottage cheese-like |
| Cyst impact | Pain, discomfort, itching |
| Cyst treatment | Antibiotics, incision and drainage, culture sensitivity test, steroid injection |
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What You'll Learn
- The type of bacteria causing the infection determines the smell of pus
- Anaerobic cysts are more prone to having a foul smell
- The longer a cyst is left untreated, the more it will smell
- Yellow or green pus with a bad smell indicates a serious infection
- Some cysts smell like cheese due to the presence of skin cells stuck inside for years
The type of bacteria causing the infection determines the smell of pus
The human body is host to a wide range of bacteria, most of which are harmless or even beneficial. However, certain bacteria can cause infections, leading to the formation of pus. The type of bacteria responsible for the infection plays a crucial role in determining the smell of the resulting pus.
Different bacterial species can produce distinct odors in pus. For example, anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in low-oxygen environments, are often associated with foul-smelling pus. In contrast, infections caused by aerobic bacteria may result in pus with a milder scent. The duration of the infection can also influence the odor, as a buildup of pus over time can lead to a stronger smell.
Cysts, which are enclosed sac-like structures that can form in various parts of the body, often contain pus. The pus within cysts can have a characteristic "cheese-like" odor, as described by sources such as the American Academy of Family Physicians and the British Association of Dermatologists. This cheese-like smell is particularly associated with sebaceous cysts, which are commonly found in areas such as the neck, behind the ears, the upper back, and the chin.
The intensity of the smell can vary, ranging from a mild scent to an overwhelming stench. In some cases, individuals have compared the smell of cyst pus to dirty socks, rotting meat, or sulfurous wet dog. The color of the pus may also provide clues about the type of infection, with yellowish or greenish pus and a strong odor potentially indicating a serious infection that requires medical attention.
While the smell of pus can be indicative of certain characteristics of an infection, it is important to remember that the overall determination of the severity of an infection involves considering other symptoms as well. Open wounds that are large or widespread, or those accompanied by a fever, should generally be evaluated by a medical professional. Antibiotics may be necessary to treat the underlying bacterial infection and promote healing.
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Anaerobic cysts are more prone to having a foul smell
It is normal for pus to have a certain smell, but the presence of a serious infection is usually indicated by other symptoms, such as a fever or large wound size. The smell of pus is largely determined by the type of bacteria causing the infection. Anaerobic cysts, in particular, are more prone to having a foul smell.
Anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in low-oxygen environments, often infect HS cysts. These bacteria break down the white blood cells that attack them, as well as other cells in the tissue. The degraded cells then release chemical compounds with a strong, unpleasant odour. This process can result in a noticeable smell when the cysts or boils rupture and release pus.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa, is a skin condition that causes red, painful abscesses in areas such as the groin and armpits. These abscesses can drain foul-smelling pus. HS cysts often recur in the same area or spread to other parts of the body.
The progression of HS typically occurs in three stages, known as the Hurley stages. In the first stage, one or more isolated abscesses form. The second stage is characterised by multiple separate lesions and recurrent abscesses, along with scarring and sinus tracts, which are tunnels under the skin that connect the abscesses. In the third and most severe stage, multiple interconnected sinus tracts and abscesses cover an entire area of the body.
While HS cysts can be painful and distressing, they are usually harmless unless they are located in a sensitive area or become infected. It is important to seek medical advice if you notice any unusual lumps or experience symptoms such as fever or widespread wounds.
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The longer a cyst is left untreated, the more it will smell
It is normal for pus to have a certain level of smell. However, the longer a cyst is left untreated, the more bacteria will accumulate, and the more it will smell. The type of bacteria present in the pus is the main factor that determines the extent of the smell. Anaerobic bacteria, for instance, are more prone to causing a foul-smelling pus.
The smell of an untreated cyst can be overwhelming, with people describing it as similar to "rotting meat", "dirty socks", "dirty gym socks", "a strangely sulfurous wet dog", "onion/garlic", "cheese", "cottage cheese", "toe jam", and "chunky mashed potato".
The smell of the pus from an untreated cyst can be indicative of the severity of the infection. A yellowish or greenish colour, accompanied by a very bad smell, can point towards a serious infection. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a doctor, as antibiotics may be required to treat the infection.
It is important to note that while smell can be an indicator of infection, other symptoms should also be considered. Open wounds that are widespread or very large, or those accompanied by a fever, should generally be investigated by a medical professional.
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Yellow or green pus with a bad smell indicates a serious infection
It is normal for pus to have a certain smell, but a strong odour coupled with other symptoms may indicate a serious infection. Yellow or green pus with a bad smell indicates a serious infection. The colour and odour of pus are influenced by the type of bacteria causing the infection. While pus from simple infections like acne and skin cysts is usually lightly coloured and mildly scented, pus from more severe infections may be yellow or green and have a foul odour.
A strong, cheesy odour is commonly associated with pus from cysts. This is due to the accumulation of dead skin cells and sebum, which can result in a "cheese-like" or "cottage cheese" consistency and smell. Anaerobic infections, or those deprived of oxygen, tend to produce foul-smelling pus. The location of the cyst can also affect its odour. For example, cysts near the breast or armpit may produce pus with a particularly strong odour due to the presence of sweat glands in these areas.
In some cases, the smell of pus can be indicative of the severity of the infection. While unpleasant, a mild odour is typically associated with less severe infections. On the other hand, a strong, putrid smell may indicate a more serious infection that requires medical attention. It is important to note that the determination of a serious infection is based on multiple factors and not solely on the smell of the pus. Other symptoms, such as the size and spread of the wound, or the presence of a fever, should also be considered.
If you are experiencing yellow or green pus with a foul odour, it is advisable to consult a medical professional. They can assess the severity of the infection and provide appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection and prevent further complications.
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Some cysts smell like cheese due to the presence of skin cells stuck inside for years
It's not uncommon for cysts to have a foul odour. The smell of pus is mostly determined by the type of bacteria causing the infection. While very dangerous infections usually have a strong odour, the presence of bacteria does not necessarily indicate a serious infection. In fact, it is normal for pus to have a smell to some extent.
Some cysts smell like cheese due to the presence of skin cells that have been stuck inside for years. Dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD, a.k.a. Dr. Pimple Popper, explains that "the cyst is skin cells that have been stuck inside you for years and years and years". The cheese-like pus found in sebaceous cysts is likely due to a build-up of these dead skin cells and oils produced by the sebaceous glands.
The smell of a cyst can vary depending on its location and the individual. For example, one person described the smell of their cyst as "like death", with a "sweetish stink of rotting meat, with a top note of dirty gym socks", while another said it reminded them of "dirty socks". The smell of a cyst can be overwhelming, and in some cases, may indicate a serious infection, especially if there are other symptoms such as a fever or large, open wounds.
While cysts are usually harmless, it is important to seek medical advice if you are concerned about a cyst or if it is causing you discomfort.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell of pus is mostly affected by the type of bacteria causing the infection. While it is normal for pus to have a smell to some extent, yellowish or greenish-colored, and very bad-smelling pus points to a serious infection.
Some people have described the pus as having a "'foul' odor", while others have said it smells like "death", "rotting meat", "dirty socks", "onion/garlic", "dirty gym socks", "a strangely sulfurous wet dog", "toe jam", and "chunky mashed potato".
If a cyst has been festering in the skin for a long time, there will be lots of bacteria, which can cause a strong smell. Anaerobic cysts are also more prone to being foul-smelling.
While most cysts are harmless, it is important to see a doctor if the cyst is in a bad location or infected. Signs of a serious infection include widespread or very large open wounds, a fever, or pus with a very bad smell.
