What is a Sebaceous Cyst: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Get more insightful and
helpful tips to
treat Diabetes for FREE
Download PharmEasy App
Register to Avail the Offer
Send OTPBy continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Table of Contents
Sebaceous cysts, though benign, deserve our attention. They grow below the skin, often on the face, neck, and trunk. In its simplest form, a sebaceous cyst is a closed pocket under your skin (i.e., it is subepidermally located) filled with oily or cheese-like substances (usually keratin a protein, lipid, or other skin particles). It is lined with stratified squamous epidermal cells. It’s usually painless and grows slowly. You might hear it being called an epidermoid cyst. They most commonly are located on the face, neck, and trunk, but can form anywhere on the body.
Did you know?
Oil-making glands, known as sebaceous glands, lubricate skin and hair. When their outlets to hair follicles get blocked, stuff accumulates, hatching a sebaceous cyst.
Sebaceous glands are located next to hair roots. They coat hair and skin with oily stuff, keeping the temperature in check, slipperiness up, and harmful elements out.
A host of issues can trigger blockages in the oil-making glands:
Aside from blocking glands, any hurt the skin’s surface leading to a sebaceous cyst. Here’s how: An injury makes outer skin cells sneak deeper and multiply.
Did you inherit cyst-causing genes? Certain conditions passed along families like Gardner’s syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome make one more likely to grow sebaceous cysts.
Male hormones known as androgens may also stir up trouble. Plugging up oil-making glands leads to cyst formation.
Let’s summarize further with the following:
Reason | Explanation |
Blocked glands | Cyst forms due to accumulation from the plugged oil gland |
Skin damage | Abnormal growth from injured skin leads to cysts |
Genes | Genetic conditions increase the chances of growing cysts |
Hormones | Gland blockage due to an imbalance in male hormones |
Sebaceous cysts are typically harmless, slow-growing bumps under the skin. They often appear on the scalp, face, ears, trunk, back, or groin area. They are sometimes called epidermal inclusion cysts.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The first sign of a sebaceous cyst is often a small, pressure-free lump under the skin. The lump can differ in size, color, and feel.
For the most part, sebaceous cysts don’t hurt and move when prodded. But what happens when they flare up or catch an infection? They can cause soreness, tenderness, and puffing up.
Sometimes, these cysts get red, change color, and feel warm. Which indicates an infection or other hidden issues.
What if a sebaceous cyst busts open, freeing all its gooey contents? This can bring about redness, swelling, and pain. It also paves the way for infection if not cared for right.
Let’s look at a table summarizing the signs:
Sign | Detail |
Look and feel | A small, pressure-free lump that varies in size, color, and texture |
Pain | Mostly pressure-free but can hurt if inflamed or infected |
Redness | Swollen, red, and warm, possibly hinting at an infection |
Burst | Ruptured cyst releasing pasty contents causing discomfort |
Both lipomas and cysts can feel quite similar during their early phases of growth, Cysts are sacs filled with an oily or cheese-like substance. Most are harmless but can grow and become inflamed, infected, swollen, or tender. It is important to not squeeze or manipulate them. Lipomas are fatty lumps that grow most often between your skin and muscle.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
You are wondering- who’s at risk? Just about anyone can grow a sebaceous cyst. Yet, some people are more likely candidates, like:
Most sebaceous cysts stay harmless and don’t stir up severe problems. But leaving them unchecked may raise some issues:
Healthcare professionals usually spot a sebaceous cyst by checking the skin and finding tell-tale signs like a small, movable lump beneath it.
An ultrasound can be used to tell what’s inside the cyst. It helps rule out if it’s a sebaceous cyst or another type of lump.
A biopsy can come in handy. A small piece from the cyst is taken off for close examination, to rule out other conditions or possible cancer risk.
It’s true that sebaceous cysts can often mimic other skin issues like lipomas (fat lumps) or abscesses (pus pockets). More tests or imaging studies may be needed for a firm diagnosis.
Most sebaceous cysts cause no harm and can be left alone. Just remember to keep an eye on any size, appearance, or symptom changes that may signal an infection or problem.
A few household methods may ease discomfort and swelling from sebaceous cysts:
When a sebaceous cyst gets infected or causes significant discomfort, your healthcare provider may then advise medical treatments, for example:
In some cases, the sebaceous cyst might need to be excised, especially if the cyst is large, aching, or a cosmetic concern. Here are a few surgical routes:
Here’s a table to recap:
Cure Option | Detail |
Watchful waiting | Check benign cysts for any changes |
Household cures | Warm wraps and over-the-counter medications (keep doctor in loop) |
Medical treatment | Draining by cutting and steroid shots |
Surgical cure | Complete removal with a minimal scar, full excision, or laser |
Maintain good skincare habits, including cleaning and adding moisture, to keep skin clean and ward off sebaceous cysts.
Choose “non-comedogenic” skincare and makeup products. That is products that are less likely to plug up pores and spur a sebaceous cyst formation.
Try not to scratch, pick, or harm your skin in any way. It reduces the risk of cyst formation!
Stay ahead of the game with regular healthcare provider visits or dermatologist appointments. Early detection and tackling can stop sebaceous cysts from turning into more significant issues.
Most sebaceous cysts respond well to treatment, whether it’s watchful waiting, household remedies, or medical steps and surgeries are excellent at preventing recurrence.
How long does recovery take? That depends on the treatment carried out. Household remedies offer temporary relief, while surgeries can afford a lasting solution.
Most sebaceous cysts are non-cancerous and pose no severe health threats. However, discomfort or cosmetic issues can occur if left untreated. Early findings and action can dodge complications and improve your total skin health.
Getting a handle on the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for sebaceous cysts becomes crucial for keeping your skin healthy. Early findings and action can sidestep issues like infection, recurrence, and cosmetic woes. Staying hands-on about skincare and seeking medical opinions when needed lets you manage sebaceous cysts and take pleasure in healthier, comfier skin.
Bear in mind, if a sebaceous cyst is suspected, team up with your healthcare provider. They can accurately pinpoint the diagnosis and propose a suitable treatment plan tailored to your situation.
Primary triggers for sebaceous cysts typically consist of blocked oil-making glands, skin damage, genetic disposition, or hormone imbalance.
Treatment strategies to fight sebaceous cysts include watchful waiting, home remedies, medical help, and surgical extraction. Your healthcare provider can help select the best action depending on your case.
Sebaceous cysts house a thick, greasy substance composed of dead skin cells and keratin, a protein present in skin, hair, and nails, or lipids.
Some cysts may dissipate with time, while others may need medical help or surgical removal. This becomes particularly true if they turn infected, painful or cause cosmetic concerns.
Ring your healthcare provider when you spot new growths on your skin or notice changes in size, or symptoms of an existing sebaceous cyst. Discussing with your healthcare provider can yield the most suitable treatment plan for your case.
Leave your comment...
Comments