Sebaceous Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatments

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If you found a closed sac under the skin that normally showing on the trunk, neck, or face then might probably you have sebaceous cyst.

A sebaceous cyst can form when the opening to a sebaceous gland becomes clogged. The oily substance called sebum continues to be formed but cannot escape to the outer skin surface.

About Sebaceous Cysts

The cyst may remain small for years, or it may continue to get larger. These cysts are rare in children but common in adults. The word “sebaceous cyst” denotes to either an epidermoid cyst, which originates from the skin, or a pilar cyst, which comes from hair follicles.

Sebaceous Cysts are filled with cheese-like matter and usually are painless. Sebaceous cysts are not cancerous.

Moreover, these cysts are closed sacs that can be found under the skin of the entire body (except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet). A filthy odor may be detected from the partly cover skin.

Causes

Sometimes one of the causes of having sebaceous cysts is inherited. But mostly, may be caused by blocked glands or swollen hair follicles in the skin.

Another cause that has been reported was trauma to skin.

Symptoms

Usually a small bump or lump in the skin is the main symptom of a sebaceous cyst. Sebaceous cysts appear primarily on the face, upper back and upper chest. Also it is not painful.

On the other hand, if the cyst gets swollen and the area of the cyst may be red and/or warm in which it will become tender to the touch. Then if the drainage will perform from the cyst, it will appear grayish-white and cheese-like, and will have an unwholesome smell.

Diagnosis

Your doctor can examine the swelling and tell you if you have a cyst. There are several a biopsy will execute depending on the cyst growth.

Treatment

Typically, a sebaceous cyst does not need to be treated unless it is inflamed (red) or is causing a cosmetic problem. Inflamed cysts usually are treated by draining the fluid and removing the shell that make up the cyst wall. You also may be treated with antibiotics if the skin around the cyst is also inflamed. If a cyst is causing irritation or cosmetic difficulty, your physician can remove it by making a small incision in the skin and emptying the contents of the cyst and its wall.

Prevention

Sebaceous cysts that occur in people with acne can be prevented by keeping acne under control with medication.

A cyst may disappear on its own or remain indefinitely. However, if you have a new swelling on your skin that lasts for more than two weeks, contact your doctor, especially if it is painful and bothering you with your daily activities.