Epidermoid Cysts Treatment, Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Epidermoid cysts are tiny, noncancerous tumors in the epidermis. Although they can appear anywhere on the skin, they are most usually found on the face, neck, and trunk.

Because of their gradual growth and frequent absence of pain, epidermoid cysts seldom cause problems or need treatment. You might choose to have a cyst removed if its look worries you, or if it is painful, ruptured, or contagious.

Although they are separate, sebaceous cysts and epidermoid cysts are frequently confused. True sebaceous cysts are less common. Sebaceous glands create them by releasing an oleic material that lubricates the skin and hair.

Causes Of Epidermoid Cyst

The epidermis, the top layer of your skin, is a thin, protective layer of cells that is regularly shed by your body. Most epidermoid cysts form when these cells multiply instead of flaking off when they penetrate deeper into your skin. Cysts can occasionally form as a result of skin irritation or injury to a hair follicle's outermost layer of skin.

Epidermal cells produce the cyst's walls and then secrete the protein keratin into the cavity. Keratin is the thick, yellow fluid that occasionally leaks from the cyst. This abnormal cell growth may be brought on by a damaged hair follicle or oil gland in the skin.

Although they are separate, sebaceous cysts and epidermoid cysts are frequently confused. Less frequently occur true sebaceous cysts. They are produced by sebaceous glands, which release an oily substance to lubricate the skin and hair.

Symptoms Of Epidermoid Cyst

Epidermoid cyst warning signs and symptoms include:

• A small, spherical protrusion beneath the skin that typically appears on the face, neck, or trunk
• A tiny blackhead is blocking the cyst's primary orifice.
• Sometimes, a thick, stinky, yellow fluid flows from the cyst.
• If the area is inflamed or infected, it will have redness, swelling, and soreness.

Risk Factors Of Epidermoid Cyst

Epidermoid cysts can occur in almost anyone, although the following variables increase your risk:

• Being of mature age
• Being affected by certain rare genetic conditions
• Skin abrasions

Diagnosis Of Epidermoid Cyst

A doctor's cyst inspection will typically identify the issue. Your doctor may also scrape out a sample of skin to inspect it under a microscope or take a biopsy of it to send to the lab for a thorough examination.

Sebaceous cysts are different from epidermoid cysts, despite their similarity. True epidermoid cysts develop when the epidermis or hair follicles are injured.

Treatment Of Epidermoid Cyst

If a cyst doesn't hurt or interfere with your appearance, you can usually leave it alone. Talk to your doctor about these alternatives if you decide to get treatment:

• Injection. A medication that lessens swelling and irritation is injected into the cyst as part of this treatment.
• Cutting and Draining. Your doctor uses this technique to gently squeeze the cyst's contents out after making a small cut in it. Although this procedure is relatively short and simple, cysts frequently return after it.
• Minor surgical procedure. Your doctor can completely remove the cyst. To have the stitches removed, you might need to go back to the doctor's office. Cysts can typically be prevented from returning with safe, efficient minor surgery. Your doctor can postpone the procedure if your cyst is irritated.

Complications Of Epidermoid Cyst

The following adverse outcomes of epidermoid cysts are Possible:

• Inflammation. An epidermoid cyst may become sensitive and enlarged even if it is not contagious. An inflamed cyst might be difficult to remove. Your doctor won't likely remove it until the irritation subsides.
• Rupture. A boil-like infection caused by a ruptured cyst frequently necessitates rapid medical attention.
• Infection. Cysts may become painfully infected (abscessed).
• A skin cancer. Skin cancer can very rarely be brought on by epidermoid cysts.

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