Epidermoid Cysts

Small, harmless bumps called epidermoid cysts can appear beneath the skin. These bumps are most frequently found on the face, neck, and torso.

Epidermoid cysts are very common and usually grow slowly. They're often painless, so they rarely cause any problems and don't typically need treatment. However, if a cyst is causing discomfort, becomes open (breaks open), or becomes painful or infected, you might decide to have it removed.

Epidermoid cysts are small, round lumps that often appear under the skin, particularly on the face, neck, or torso. They're usually harmless and don't require treatment.

These cysts typically have a tiny black dot, or opening, in the center. Inside, they can contain a thick, sometimes smelly, yellowish or white substance that resembles cheese. Sometimes, the cyst might become inflamed or infected, making it red, swollen, and painful.

Most people don't need to worry about epidermoid cysts. However, you should see a doctor if:

• The cyst grows quickly or changes size significantly. A rapid increase in size could signal something else is happening.
• The cyst opens up. This could lead to infection.
• The cyst is painful or visibly infected. Pain, redness, and swelling are signs of potential problems.
• The cyst is in a spot that gets frequently scratched or bumped. This can make it more likely to become irritated or infected.
• You're concerned about the cyst's appearance. If the cyst bothers you aesthetically, it's a good idea to have it checked.
• The cyst is located in an unusual place, like a finger or toe. This might indicate a different type of skin condition.

If you have any of these concerns, a healthcare professional can determine if the cyst needs further attention and recommend the best course of action.

Epidermoid cysts are common, and most don't require any treatment. These cysts are basically small, harmless bumps under the skin. They usually develop from skin cells and are often painless.

However, sometimes an epidermoid cyst might need attention. See a doctor if you notice any of these changes:

• The cyst is getting bigger quickly. If the cyst is growing rapidly, it could be something more serious.
• The cyst has opened up or broken the skin. This can lead to infection.
• The cyst is hurting or feels inflamed. Pain or redness around the cyst suggests it might be infected. An infection needs medical care.
• The cyst is in a place that's frequently rubbed or irritated. This kind of constant rubbing can lead to infection or further complications.
• You're concerned about the cyst's appearance or location. If the cyst bothers you, it's important to get it checked out.
• The cyst is located on a finger, toe, or other unusual spot. Cysts in unusual places sometimes need special attention.

If you have any of these signs, it's best to visit a healthcare professional for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Your skin's top layer, called the epidermis, is constantly shedding dead skin cells. It's like a protective blanket that's constantly being replaced. Epidermoid cysts happen when these skin cells get trapped and don't shed properly. Instead of moving to the surface and being replaced, they move deeper into the skin. This sometimes happens because of a bump, cut, or other irritation to the skin or a hair follicle.

These trapped cells create a sac (the cyst) and produce a protein called keratin. Keratin is a tough, somewhat cheesy material. Sometimes, this keratin can leak out of the cyst.

Epidermoid cysts can happen to anyone, but certain things increase the chance of getting one. These include:

• Age: Most people develop them after they've gone through puberty. This is because the body changes and matures during this period.

• Inherited conditions: A rare genetic condition called Gardner syndrome can make someone more prone to developing these cysts. This means that if someone in your family has this condition, you might have a higher risk.

• Skin injury: A cut, scrape, or other skin injury can sometimes lead to an epidermoid cyst. This happens because the skin's natural healing process can sometimes lead to a pocket of skin cells forming an abnormal growth.

Epidermoid cysts, small bumps under the skin, can sometimes cause problems. Here are a few potential issues:

• Inflammation: Even without an infection, an epidermoid cyst can get red, swollen, and painful. This makes it harder for a doctor to safely remove it. To avoid complications, the doctor will likely wait for the inflammation to go down before attempting any procedure.

• Infection (Rupture): If the cyst breaks open, it can become infected, creating a painful boil-like sore. Prompt medical attention is important in these cases to prevent further problems.

• Skin Cancer Risk: While rare, there's a very small chance that an epidermoid cyst could be linked to skin cancer. This is a serious concern, and your doctor will want to monitor any changes in the cyst. It's important to remember that most epidermoid cysts are not cancerous.

A healthcare provider can usually tell if you have an epidermoid cyst just by looking at the affected skin area. Sometimes, a small sample of skin might be taken and examined in a lab to be sure.

Epidermoid cysts are similar in appearance to sebaceous cysts or pilar cysts, but they are different. Epidermoid cysts happen when the skin's outer layer (called the epidermis) or a hair follicle gets damaged. This damage traps some skin cells underneath. Sebaceous cysts are less common and form from the oil-producing glands (sebaceous glands) that keep your hair and skin lubricated. Pilar cysts, on the other hand, develop from the base of hair follicles and are frequently found on the scalp.

Most cysts don't need treatment if they're not causing pain or discomfort. However, if you'd like to address a cyst, here are some options your healthcare provider might suggest:

Injections: Sometimes, a steroid medicine can be injected directly into the cyst. This helps reduce swelling and inflammation.

Draining the cyst: Your healthcare provider can make a small cut in the cyst and remove the fluid inside. This is a quick and straightforward way to relieve symptoms. But the cyst might come back after this procedure.

Surgery to remove the cyst: This involves your healthcare provider removing the entire cyst. Depending on the type of stitches used, you might need a follow-up visit to have them taken out. Absorbable stitches dissolve on their own, so no follow-up is needed. Surgical removal is usually successful in preventing the cyst from returning, but it might leave a small scar.

Important Note: If the cyst is swollen or inflamed, your healthcare provider might delay the surgery. This is to allow the inflammation to settle down before the procedure to ensure the best possible outcome.