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Linkedin Reddit Pocket Flipboard Email. An epidermoid cyst, stained and under the microscope Ed Uthman. We're skin bags filled with blood and all sorts of other nonsense That is, until last weekend, when I discovered it had more than doubled in size, was red and hot to the touch, and smelled weird, like dirty socks. Next Up In Science. Sign up for the newsletter Verge Deals Subscribe to get the best Verge-approved tech deals of the week.
Just one more thing! Please confirm your subscription to Verge Deals via the verification email we just sent you. Email required. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice and European users agree to the data transfer policy. Loading comments Unlike epidermoid cysts, they run in families. A cyst that forms on the eyelid is called a chalazion or meibomian cyst.
Some of the cells in the top layer of skin produce keratin, a protein that gives skin its strength and flexibility. Normally, these cells move up to the surface of the skin as they start to die so they can be shed. But the cells sometimes move deeper into the skin and multiply, forming a sac. They secrete keratin into the middle of the sac, which forms a thick, yellow paste. This can ooze out of the cyst if it's burst. Anyone can develop a skin cyst, but you're more likely to have one if you've been through puberty , you have a history of acne , or you've injured the skin for example, if you've damaged a hair follicle.
Cysts are usually harmless. Small cysts that are not causing any problems can be left alone. Holding a warm flannel against the skin will encourage the cyst to heal and reduce any inflammation. Do not be tempted to burst the cyst. If it's infected, you risk spreading the infection, and it can grow back if the sac is left underneath the skin. See a GP if you think the cyst is infected. You may need a course of antibiotics. Although some GP surgeries have minor surgery facilities, most do not remove cysts.
If you touch them, you should be able to move them around. They often have a central small black dot, or punctum, through which sebum accumulates. Sometimes, however, they can become inflamed, infected, or suddenly rupture, which can increase the risk of infection more on that later. Occasionally, they occur on a site that is constantly irritated, such as a cyst on your neck that rubs against your collar, or one on your back under a bra strap.
The surface of your skin, known as the epidermis, consists of thin layers of cells that are constantly shedding. Sometimes, though, when the cells move deeper into the skin, instead of shedding, they can multiply, leading to cyst formation. Your general practitioner will usually be the one to examine you, and then after that you may be referred to a dermatologist.
Most sebaceous cysts can be ignored, since they are not dangerous. If a cyst becomes inflamed, a doctor can inject it with a steroid to reduce swelling. Cysts that become infected, on the other hand, may need to be surgically removed. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons can perform this procedure. To do this, your doctor will make a small puncture and remove the contents. But cysts frequently return after removal and will ultimately need to be surgically removed again.
If a cyst becomes swollen or infected, antibiotics may be called for before surgery. Larger cysts may also need to be removed if they cause hair loss on the scalp , interfere with clothing for instance, if a piece of clothing routinely rubs the cyst, causes irritation , or if the cyst is in an obvious place, like the face.
If a sebaceous cyst becomes swollen or tender, home treatments may also help. One easy thing to try: applying a warm moist compress, which can help the cyst drain. What not to do: Resist the urge to pop or squeeze the cyst, like a pimple. Epidermoid cysts can become infected, as already noted. The telltale signs of infection are redness, inflammation, and skin that feels warm to the touch. But remember: A doctor is the only one who can tell you for sure.
Additional reporting by Paula Derrow and Kathleen Doheny. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Sebaceous Cyst. Reviewed: November 24, Medically Reviewed. True sebaceous cysts are caused by the glands that secrete the oily matter sebum that helps lubricate your skin and the hair, per the Mayo Clinic.
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