Acystis a fluid-filled lump.

Most cysts are painless and harmless.

Amyxoidcyst occurs close to the nail bed at the end of the finger or toe.

A podiatrist checks a person’s foot for a myxoid cyst

F.J. Jimenez / Getty Images

Myxoid cysts are sometimes called digital myxoid cysts,mucous cysts, mucous pseudocysts, or digital mucous.

These cysts are noncancerous (benign) and typically do not cause any pain.

While some myxoid cysts require treatment, many will resolve on their own.

Myxoid Cyst

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023

For some people, myxoid cysts can recur.

This article will cover the risk factors for myxoid cysts, their formation, treatment, and more.

F.J. Jimenez / Getty Images

Who Gets Myxoid Cysts?

What Is a Ganglion Cyst?

Ganglion cysts are not cancerous.

Another jot down of myxoid cyst is focal mucinosis.

A singular lump is not linked to any chronic disease.

Anyone can get a myxoid cyst, although they appear to be more common in adults after middle age.

People assigned female at birth are more likely to experience a myxoid cyst.

Appearance: How Cysts Looks

Most people will only have one cyst.

However, someone with osteoarthritis may experience multiple myxoid cysts on different fingers.

It might leak a sticky, clear, straw-colored or blood-stained fluid.

A myxoid cyst develops toward the top of the joint.

The shape is round or domed, and most cysts will feel firm.

Myxoid cysts grow slowly under the skin and will be attached to the joint with a connecting stalk.

While rare,skin ulceration(sores) orinfectionmay occur.Ulceration and infection are considered complications.

Additional complications of a myxoid cyst include:

A myxoid cyst can develop over weeks or years.

Referred Pain From Myxoid Cyst

Myxoid cysts rarely cause pain or other symptoms.

These are signs of an infection, and you may need an antibiotic.

Nonsurgical Drainage Options

Some myxoid cysts will disappear without any medical treatment.

However, many will need medical treatment.

Most myxoid cysts are treated with non-surgical options.

This may include:

With any of these nonsurgical options, the cyst may return.

Will the Cyst Return?

In this case, the cyst will heal and refill in a few weeks, resulting in a recurrence.

If you have cyst removal surgery, the surgeon will apply compression dressing to the surgical area.

You may also need to wear a splint to prevent injury and protect the affected joint.

One easy way to treat the cyst is to soak the affected finger or toe in warm water daily.

Applying local heat to the cyst might also help.

Do Not Drain a Cyst at Home

Never make a run at drain a cyst at home.

Cyst drainage should be done by a healthcare provider in a sterile environment to prevent infections or other complications.

Their cause is unknown, but they are sometimes associated with osteoarthritis.

They often affect people in middle age and people assigned female at birth.

There are many treatment options availableboth nonsurgical and surgical.

Recurrence is possible, but surgery has a high success rate.

Let your healthcare provider know if a myxoid cyst is painful, red, or inflamed.

The cyst might be infected, and you will need antibiotic treatment.

2017;29(1):69-73. doi:10.5021/ad.2017.29.1.69

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Ganglion cyst of the wrist and hand.

Gutierrez N, Erickson C, Calame A, Cohen PR.Solitary cutaneous focal mucinosis.Cureus.

2021;13(10):e18618.

2019;27(2):129-130.

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Digital mucous cyst.

2023;29(3):256-260. doi:10.1016/j.fas.2023.02.003

DermNet.Digital mucous (myxoid) cyst.

American Association for Hand Surgery.A simple solution for a common problem.