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A cyst is a benign lump that grows slowly within the skin. There is a cyst a few millimeters long behind the ear lobe or on the back of the neck? It’s probably a atheroma. We will tell you how to deal with it.
What is an epidermal cyst?
Epidermal cyst (sebaceous cyst) is commonly known as atheroma. It most often develops on the face, neck and scalp.
A cyst is a benign tumor that grows slowly within the skin. Inside there is sebum – secreted by the sebaceous glands of the skin, and callous epidermis, moreover, the cyst may also contain elements of hair follicles. Sebaceous cysts are common in young people who suffer from active acne.
Symptoms of the epidermal cyst
As they develop, sebaceous cysts increase in size and change color (white or yellow). Initially, they are not painful. Only when they become superinfected (e.g. bacterial) do they turn red and can cause pain and discomfort. In such a situation, they are often punctured and their contents leak out.
Can you remove the cyst yourself?
After noticing an alarming lesion resembling an epidermal cyst, it is best to see a doctor immediately. It can be a family doctor, a dermatologist (a visit to this specialist does not require a referral) or a surgeon. Not every cyst can be removed on its own.
Remember that regular peeling increases the chances of spontaneous removal of the atheroma. Some cysts can be eliminated by puncturing and squeezing them out, but most cases require surgical intervention. The doctor cuts the lesion with a small scalpel or cuts it out completely – removing the sebaceous cyst minimizes the risk of recurrence of the disease.
Text: lek. med. Matylda Mazur