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Epidermoid cysts are small, noncancerous bumps beneath the skin. They can appear anywhere on the skin, but the face, neck, and trunk are the most common.
Because epidermoid cysts grow slowly and are frequently painless, they rarely cause issues or necessitate treatment. You might choose to have a cyst removed by a doctor if its look bothers you or if it's uncomfortable, burst or infectious.
Many individuals confuse epidermoid cysts with sebaceous cysts, although they are not the same thing. True sebaceous cysts are rare. They are produced by glands that exude an oily substance that lubricates the hair and skin (sebaceous glands).
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF EPIDERMOID CYSTS?
Among the signs and symptoms of an epidermoid cyst are:
- A small, round bump beneath the skin, most commonly on the face, neck, or trunk.
- A little blackhead plugging the cyst's central opening.
- A thick, yellow, odorous material that occasionally drains from the cyst.
- If the area is inflamed or infected, it will have redness, swelling, and tenderness.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF EPIDERMOID CYSTS?
Your skin's surface (epidermis) is made up of a thin, protective layer of cells that your body constantly sheds. The majority of epidermoid cysts occur when these cells migrate deeper into your skin and multiply instead of sloughing off. Cysts can occur as a result of irritation or injury to the epidermis or the most superficial area of a hair follicle.
The walls of the cyst are formed by epidermal cells, which then secrete the protein keratin into the interior. Keratin is the thick, yellow substance that occasionally drains from cysts. This abnormal cell development could be caused by a damaged hair follicle or oil gland in your skin.
Many individuals confuse epidermoid cysts with sebaceous cysts, although they are not the same thing. True sebaceous cysts are rare. They are produced by glands that exude an oily substance that lubricates the hair and skin (sebaceous glands).
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR EPIDERMOID CYSTS?
Anyone can get one or more epidermoid cysts, but the following variables make you more likely to acquire them:
- Having outgrown puberty
- Being afflicted with certain rare genetic illnesses
- Skin injury
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF EPIDERMOID CYSTS?
Epidermoid cysts can lead to the following complications:
- Inflammation: Even if an epidermoid cyst is not infectious, it might become sensitive and swollen. It is tough to remove an inflammatory cyst. Your doctor will most likely delay removing it until the inflammation has subsided.
- Rupture: A ruptured cyst frequently causes a boil-like infection that necessitates immediate treatment.
- Infection: Infected cysts can be painful (abscessed).
- Cancer of the skin: Epidermoid cysts can cause skin cancer in very rare circumstances.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?
Most epidermoid cysts are harmless and do not require treatment. Consult your doctor if you have any cyst that:
- Expands rapidly
- Ruptures, becomes uncomfortable, or becomes infected
- Occurs in an area that is frequently inflamed
- Is in an unusual place, such as a finger or a toe
WHAT IS THE DIAGNOSIS FOR EPIDERMOID CYSTS?
A doctor can typically make a diagnosis based on the appearance of the cyst. Your doctor may also scrape skin cells and inspect them under a microscope, or he or she may take a skin sample (biopsy) for detailed study in the laboratory.
Epidermoid cysts resemble sebaceous cysts, however they are not the same. True epidermoid cysts are caused by injury to the hair follicles or the skin's outer layer (epidermis).
The walls of the cyst are formed by epidermal cells, which then secrete the protein keratin into the interior. Keratin is the thick, yellow substance that occasionally drains from cysts. This abnormal cell development could be caused by a damaged hair follicle or oil gland in your skin.
Many individuals confuse epidermoid cysts with sebaceous cysts, although they are not the same thing. True sebaceous cysts are rare. They are produced by glands that exude an oily substance that lubricates the hair and skin (sebaceous glands).
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR EPIDERMOID CYSTS?
If a cyst does not cause discomfort or cosmetic issues, it is usually safe to leave alone. If you want therapy, discuss the following choices with your doctor:
- Injection: This treatment entails injecting a medicine into the cyst that reduces swelling and inflammation.
- Drainage and incision: Your doctor will use this approach to make a small cut in the cyst and gently squeeze out the contents. Although this is a quick and easy approach, cysts frequently return following treatment.
- Minor surgical procedure: The cyst can be completely removed by your doctor. It is possible that you will need to return to the doctor's office to have the stitches removed. Minor surgery is both safe and effective in preventing cysts from recurring. If your cyst is irritated, your surgeon may postpone the operation.