Epidermoid cysts

Diagnosis

Usually, a cyst examination by a doctor will reveal the condition. Your doctor may also scrape out a sample of skin to inspect it under a microscope or take a biopsy of it to send to the lab for thorough examination.

Although epidermoid cysts resemble sebaceous cysts, they are not the same. Damage to the outer layer of skin (epidermis) or the hair follicles causes true epidermoid cysts.

Treatment

Generally, if a cyst doesn’t hurt or interfere with your appearance, you can leave it alone. If you decide to get therapy, discuss your options with your doctor, including:

• Injection. During this procedure, a medication that lessens swelling and irritation is injected into the cyst.
• Incision and drainage. Your doctor uses this technique to make a tiny cut in the cyst and carefully squeeze out the contents. Although it is a very short and simple procedure, cysts frequently return after this therapy.
• Minor surgery. The entire cyst can be removed by your doctor. To have the stitches taken out, you might need to visit the doctor’s office again. Minimal surgery is risk-free, efficient, and typically keeps cysts from reappearing. The operation could be postponed by your doctor if your cyst is inflamed.