What is an Epidermal Cyst
Epidermal cyst is sometimes called an epidermal inclusion cyst or an infundibular cyst. It is a sac made of skin tissue. The sac contains a substance called keratin.
Keratin is a protein that is normally secreted through the hair follicles. When keratin becomes trapped in the top layer of skin (epidermis), it can form an epidermal cyst.
Epidermal cysts are usually found on the face, neck, trunk, and genitals. These cysts are usually harmless (benign), and they may not cause symptoms unless they become infected. It is important not to pop epidermal cysts yourself.
What are the causes?
This condition may be caused by:
- A blocked hair follicle.
- A hair that curls and re-enters the skin instead of growing straight out of the skin (ingrown hair).
- A blocked pore.
- Irritated skin.
- An injury to the skin.
- Certain conditions that are passed along from parent to child (inherited).
- Human papillomavirus (HPV).
What increases the risk?
The following factors may make you more likely to develop an epidermal cyst:
- Having acne.
- Being overweight.
- Wearing tight clothing.
What are the signs or symptoms?
The only symptom of this condition may be a small, painless lump underneath the skin. When an epidermal cyst becomes infected, symptoms may include:
- Redness.
- Inflammation.
- Tenderness.
- Warmth.
- Fever.
- Keratin draining from the cyst. Keratin may look like a grayish-white, bad-smelling substance.
- Pus draining from the cyst.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam. In some cases, you may have a sample of tissue (biopsy) taken from your cyst to be examined under a microscope or tested for bacteria. You may be referred to a health care provider who specializes in skin care (dermatologist).
How is this treated?
In many cases, epidermal cysts go away on their own without treatment. If a cyst becomes infected, treatment may include:
- Opening and draining the cyst. After draining, minor surgery to remove the rest of the cyst may be done.
- Antibiotic medicine to help prevent infection.
- Injections of medicines (steroids) that help to reduce inflammation.
- Surgery
to remove the cyst. Surgery may be done if:
- The cyst becomes large.
- The cyst bothers you.
- There is a chance that the cyst could turn into cancer.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- If you were prescribed an antibiotic, use it as told by your health care provider. Do notstop using the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
- Keep the area around your cyst clean and dry.
- Wear loose, dry clothing.
- Do nottry to pop your cyst.
- Avoid touching your cyst.
- Check your cyst every day for signs of infection.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
How is this prevented?
- Wear clean, dry, clothing.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing.
- Keep your skin clean and dry. Shower or take baths every day.
- Wash your body with a benzoyl peroxide wash when you shower or bathe.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your cyst develops symptoms of infection.
- Your condition is not improving or is getting worse.
- You develop a cyst that looks different from other cysts you have had.
- You have a fever.
Get help right away if:
- Redness spreads from the cyst into the surrounding area.
