Are you experiencing an unsettling bump beneath your skin and suspect it might be a cyst?
If so, you are in the right place.
They typically appear as round, fluid-filled sacs beneath the skin’s surface.
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Cysts can vary in size, ranging from pea-sized to larger masses.
Cysts often present on the skin’s surface as raised bumps with a smooth or slightly uneven texture.
Fortunately, most cysts are benign (non-cancerous).
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They can vary in size from small to larger masses.
They feel firm to the touch and might have a smooth surface.
Sometimes, they have a tiny hole in the middle.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023
Epidermoid Cyst
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These cysts are filled with a cheese-like substance called keratin and can vary in size from small to large.
Pilar cysts are often firm, smooth, and round in shape.
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Unlike epidermoid cysts, pilar cysts are more common in adults and tend to run in families.
These cysts contain gelatinous fluid and are often associated with osteoarthritis or other degenerative joint conditions.
Treatment usually involves draining the cyst and may require antibiotics or surgical removal to prevent recurrence.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023
Summary
Cysts can be found in many body areas.
Their color and appearance may depend on what caused them.
While they are generally non-cancerous, contact your healthcare provider if you notice any new growth.
UK National Health Service.Skin cyst.
American Osteopathy College of Dermatology.Cysts.
UK National Health Service.Bartholin’s cyst.
American Family Physician.Office management of digital mucous cysts.
