You’re washing your face or running your hand along your neck when you feel a small, smooth bump just under the skin. It doesn’t hurt, it isn’t going away, and you’re not sure whether to worry about it. For many people, that bump turns out to be a cyst. They’re more common than most people realize, and while they’re usually harmless, they can sometimes cause discomfort or need treatment.
So, what is a cyst, exactly? And when should you have one looked at? Here’s what you need to know.
Small sacs under the skin, filled with fluid or soft material, these common bumps can appear at any age. Here’s what sets them apart from other skin bumps:
Epidermoid cysts are the most common type of skin cyst. They form when skin cells move deeper into the skin instead of shedding normally. Over time, these trapped cells form a sac filled with a thick, yellowish material called keratin, which is the same protein found in your hair and nails. Epidermoid cysts most often appear on the face, neck, back, and scalp. They usually feel smooth and movable, and they may have a small dark dot at the center called a punctum.
Pilar cysts are similar to epidermoid cysts but almost always appear on the scalp. They tend to feel firmer and run in families, so if a parent had them, you may develop them too.
True sebaceous cysts are less common than most people think. Many bumps labeled as “sebaceous cysts” are epidermal inclusion cysts. A true sebaceous cyst forms in or near an oil gland and is filled with sebum, the natural oil your skin produces.
Milia are tiny, white cysts that sit just under the surface of the skin, most often around the nose, cheeks, and eyes. They are very common and often go away on their own without any treatment.
Most skin cysts look like a round or dome-shaped bump. The skin over the cyst usually appears normal, though it may look slightly raised. Cysts tend to feel smooth, and they often move a little when you press on them. They are generally painless unless they become infected or irritated.
If a cyst gets infected, it can become red, swollen, warm to the touch, and tender. It may also develop a white or yellow head. An infected cyst can be painful and may need prompt medical attention.
The most common cause of skin cysts is a blocked hair follicle or duct. When a follicle becomes clogged or damaged from acne, a scrape, or repeated irritation, skin cells that would normally shed can get trapped and form a sac. Epidermoid cysts form when skin surface cells move under the skin instead of shedding, then continue to grow inside the pocket they create.
A cut, scrape, or surgical wound can disrupt the normal growth of skin cells and lead to cyst formation, even months after the original injury.
Some people are simply more likely to develop cysts than others. Pilar cysts, in particular, tend to run in families. Certain inherited conditions, like Gardner syndrome, are also linked to multiple epidermoid cysts. Most epidermoid cysts are sporadic, but multiple cysts appearing together can sometimes point to an underlying genetic condition worth evaluating.
Some small cysts, particularly milia, do clear up without treatment. However, most cysts do not disappear on their own and may slowly grow larger over time. Even if a cyst drains on its own, it often comes back because the sac wall is still intact.
It’s important not to squeeze or try to pop a cyst at home. Doing so can push the contents deeper into the skin, introduce bacteria, and cause an infection, making things worse and increasing the risk of scarring.
Not every cyst needs to be treated. If it is small, not growing, and not causing any discomfort, your dermatologist may simply recommend keeping an eye on it over time.
When a cyst is large, painful, infected, or in a spot that bothers you, there are several effective options:
Finding a bump on your skin can feel unsettling, but in most cases, a cyst is straightforward to diagnose and treat. At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, our dermatology team provides thorough evaluations and a full range of treatment options for cysts and other skin conditions.
Serving patients throughout the South Sound, including Auburn, Bonney Lake, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, Sunrise, and University Place, we’re here to help you feel comfortable and confident in your skin. Schedule an appointment today and get the answers you need.
Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., today to learn more about eye and skin care from the experts.
Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., today to learn more about eye and skin care from the experts.
If you are an existing patient looking to pay a bill, access medical records, view lab results, or communicate with staff, please visit our patient portal for these services. You can also check out our patient portal overview page for additional information.
Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C. today to learn more about eye and skin care from the experts.
Please note, we do not offer online scheduling for the eye specialties listed below, only for routine eye exams. Please use the following numbers to schedule specialty eye appointments or to place an order:
If you are an existing patient looking to refill a prescription, pay a bill, access medical records, view lab results, or communicate with staff,
please visit our patient portal for these services. You can also check out our patient portal overview page for additional information.