This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. Sebaceous cysts are painless, soft lumps or bumps that grow slowly just under your skin. They usually have a visible hole in the middle called a central punctum and can move freely when touched.
You can see the keratin if the cyst becomes inflamed and breaks open. Keratin is a "pasty" or "cheesy" looking substance that may have a foul odor.
Some sebaceous cysts remain stable in size with time whereas others grow larger which may be uncomfortable and painful, especially if the cyst becomes inflamed. Sebaceous cysts, to the trained eye, are usually easily diagnosed by their appearance. In some cases, a biopsy or skin culture may be necessary to rule out other conditions with a similar appearance.
For instance, an abscess a collection of pus underneath the skin or a lipoma a noncancerous mass of fatty tissue can resemble a sebaceous cyst. To ensure a correct diagnosis, you should see your healthcare provider for a formal evaluation. Sebaceous cysts most often disappear on their own and are not dangerous.
As stated, however, they may become inflamed, tender, and even infected. Sometimes sebaceous cysts grow large enough that they may interfere with your everyday life. When this happens, surgical removal may be necessary, and this procedure can be done at your healthcare provider's office. Inflamed cysts can often be treated by your healthcare provider who will inject a steroid into the cyst to calm and shrink it.
But if your healthcare provider suspects the cyst is infected , it needs to be incised and drained to remove the infected material. If an infected sebaceous cyst is not promptly treated, the infection can spread into the surrounding skin.
This is called cellulitis , which is a more serious condition, often requiring an oral antibiotic in addition to incision and drainage. For complete surgical removal of the cyst, including the cyst wall, a healthcare provider will usually wait until the cyst is not inflamed or infected before excising it, as recurrence of the cyst is then much less common.
Besides excision cutting out the cyst surgically , a study published in the Archives of Plastic Surgery reports on a CO2 laser treatment to remove sebaceous cysts with minimal scarring and low recurrence rates. This may be a good option for people with a cyst on their face or other visible areas. The big picture here is that it's important to consult your healthcare provider any time you notice any type of growth, bump, or lump on your body.
Although sebaceous cysts are benign, your healthcare provider should examine you to ensure that another more worrisome concern is not present.
It's not a good idea. If a sebaceous cyst grows large enough to be bothersome or becomes infected, a health care provider may inject it with a steroid, drain it, or remove it surgically.
If it's small and doesn't hurt which is the case with most such cysts , it's best to leave it alone. It likely will go away without treatment. If it contains pus or is painful, you can try holding a warm, damp cloth on it to encourage it to open up and drain. A mix of dead skin cells and a protein called keratin.
If the cyst becomes infected, it also may be filled with pus. See a dermatologist. As a skin specialist, they'll have the expertise to correctly diagnose a sebaceous cyst and the tools and knowledge to treat one if necessary. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Zito PM, Scharf R. They do not tend to be painful or tender unless they become inflamed, damaged, or infected.
Infections can occur if the cyst bursts. This article looks at how to remove and treat skin cysts, as well as their causes and potential complications. The article also provides some pictures to help identify them. Most skin cysts do not need treatment, and the best course of action is usually to keep them clean and not interfere with them.
That said, a doctor may suggest removal if a cyst is causing discomfort. This might be because of infection, because the cyst gets in the way of everyday activities, or because it is in a prominent location. Removing a cyst can leave a small scar.
When removing a cyst, the doctor will aim to remove it completely, as the cyst might form again if part of the sac wall remains on the skin. Infected cysts may require further treatment. It is best to avoid removing a cyst when it is actively inflamed. If a cyst has burst or there is an infection under the skin, the doctor may need to lance and drain it.
They may also prescribe a course of antibiotics. If a cyst has become infected, it may look red due to inflammation. Infected cysts can also have a whitish appearance due to the presence of pus.
The pus may smell unpleasant. A person should see a doctor if they suspect any infections. They can prescribe antibiotic medication. Some people try home remedies — such as tea tree oil , apple cider vinegar , and aloe vera — but there is no research to confirm their effectiveness for this purpose. Although skin cysts can be uncomfortable and irritating, trying to remove or treat them can make them worse.
Picking, rubbing, or squeezing a cyst is likely to cause damage, make any infections worse, and cause pain and tenderness. It may also make the cyst appear red or inflamed. Dealing with skin cysts that are causing concern or producing symptoms means getting them seen by a doctor. Doctors can accurately diagnose the issue and deal with any other concerns. This abnormal growth of cells may be due to a damaged hair follicle or oil gland in your skin.
Nearly anyone can develop one or more epidermoid cysts, but these factors make you more susceptible:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Epidermoid cyst Open pop-up dialog box Close.
Epidermoid cyst Epidermoid cysts occur most often on your face, neck and trunk. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.
Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Goldstein BG, et al. Overview of benign lesions of the skin. Accessed April 3, Goldsmith LA, et al.
0コメント