About this topic
An epidermal cyst is a small lump under the skin. It is not cancer. This kind of cyst most often happens on the face, back, chest, neck, or behind the ears. They can also happen in the genital area. It may be caused by an injury to the skin. Other times, it is caused by pimples or a swollen hair follicle. It grows slowly and does not hurt. It can move under the skin when you touch it. ‚
Some epidermal cysts go away on their own. Others may hurt or get germs in them. If this happens, the doctor can drain or remove the cyst with surgery. ‚
What are the causes?
- Harm to the skin
- Swollen hair follicle
- A gland that makes oil gets blocked or bursts
- Having a rare health problem called Gardners syndrome
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Being a young or middle aged adult
- Having a lot of acne
- Being male
- Being out in the sun a lot
- Having an injury to the skin
What are the main signs?
- A movable soft lump on the skin
- Most often yellow or white in color, but may be darker on darker skinned people
- Bump may have a blackhead or tiny opening at the end of it
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor can tell if you have an epidermal cyst by looking at and feeling the cyst. Your doctor may ask when you first saw the lump. Your doctor may send you to a skin doctor called a dermatologist. ‚
- The doctor will check the lump to see how big it is and if it can be moved.
- Your doctor may check the rest of your body to see if there are any other lumps.
- You may need a biopsy. Your doctor will take a sample tissue of the cyst and look at it under a microscope.
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
If the cyst does not bother you, your doctor may not treat it at all. If it does cause problems, your doctor can treat it by: ‚
- Injecting a drug that can help with swelling
- Draining the cyst using a needle
- Removing the cyst by laser
- If the cyst becomes infected or keeps you from doing your regular activities, the doctor may take out the cyst with surgery.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Your cyst may be in a spot that makes it painful to move. If you have treatment, you may need to keep from moving that area until the wound heals all the way. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- You may get a scar
- The cyst may come back
- Pain during sex or going to the bathroom if the cyst is in the genital area
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep your face and skin clean.
- Avoid picking at or squeezing your pimples.
- Avoid being out in the sun too much.
Where can I learn more?
British Association of Dermatologists ‚
http://www.bad.org.uk/site/805/default.aspx ‚
New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated ‚
http://www.dermnetnz.org/lesions/cysts.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚