Epidermoid cysts

Overview

Cysts under the skin called epidermoid cysts are tiny, noncancerous lumps. Although they can appear anywhere on the skin, the face, neck, and trunk exhibit them the most frequently.

Epidermoid cysts rarely create issues or require treatment because of their gradual growth and frequent lack of pain. If a cyst concerns you due to its appearance or if it is painful, ruptured, or infectious, you may decide to have a doctor remove it.

Although they are distinct, epidermoid cysts are frequently confused with sebaceous cysts. Less frequently occur true sebaceous cysts. They come from the glands that secrete the lubricating oil that keeps hair and skin smooth (sebaceous glands).

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of an epidermoid cyst include:

• A tiny, round bump beneath the skin that typically appears on the face, neck, or trunk.
• A little blackhead obstructing the cyst’s primary orifice.
• If the area is inflamed or infected, there will be redness, swelling, and soreness.
• Occasionally, a thick, stinky, yellow substance pours from the cyst.

Epidermoid cysts are mostly benign and don’t need to be treated. See a doctor if you experience any of the followings due to the epidermoid cyst:

• It grows very fast
• It takes place in an area that has frequent irritations
• It breaks, hurts, or gets infected
• Feeling uncomfortable of your skin for purely aesthetic motives
• Is in an odd place, like a finger or toe.

Causes

Your body constantly sheds the thin, protective layer of cells that make up the epidermis, the top layer of your skin. The majority of epidermoid cysts develop when these cells proliferate rather than slough off when they travel deeper into your skin. Cysts can occasionally develop as a result of skin damage or irritation to the outermost layer of a hair follicle.

The cyst’s walls are created by epidermal cells, which subsequently secrete the protein keratin into the cavity. The thick, yellow fluid that occasionally flows from the cyst is keratin. It’s possible that a damaged skin oil gland or hair follicle is the cause of this aberrant cell development.

Although they are distinct, epidermoid cysts are frequently confused with sebaceous cysts. Less frequently occur true sebaceous cysts. They come from the glands that secrete the lubricating oil that keeps hair and skin smooth (sebaceous glands).

Risk factors

Although almost anybody can get one or more epidermoid cysts, having specific hereditary condition, skin injury and passing puberty period are variables that increase your risk.