Epidermoid cyst

Epidermoid cysts are lumps under the skin that are not cancerous. These cysts can appear anywhere on the skin, but are more common on the face, neck, head, back, and genital area.

Physically, the epidermoid cyst is yellow-brown in color and contains a thick, odorous fluid. These cysts can be the size of a marble to the size of a ping pong ball.

Epidermoid cysts, also known as atheroma cysts , are benign lumps that rarely cause health problems. However, in some cases, these cysts can interfere with appearance, feel painful, rupture, or even cause infection.

Causes of Epidermoid Cysts

Epidermoid cysts grow when dead skin cells get trapped under the skin. This condition can be triggered by an injury to the skin, HPV infection , acne , or excessive sun exposure.

Epidermoid cysts can affect anyone, but people who have gone through puberty and have acne-prone skin are more at risk.

Epidermoid Cyst Symptoms

Symptoms of an epidermoid cyst are the appearance of a lump under the skin on one part of the body, for example on the wrist . Epidermoid cyst lumps have several characteristics, namely:

From the size of a marble to the size of a ping pong ball
It usually appears on the face, upper body, or neck
Black comedones appear at the top of the lump
The area around the cyst becomes red and swollen when it becomes inflamed or infected
Thick, yellow discharge that smells bad when the cyst bursts

When to see a doctor

Although epidermoid cysts are not cancer and rarely cause serious problems, any lump that appears on the body needs to be seen by a doctor.

You also need to consult a doctor if you have an epidermoid cyst:

Disturbing appearance
Grows on fingers or toes
It's growing fast
Ruptured, painful, or infected

Diagnosis of Epidermoid Cyst

Doctors can determine epidermoid cysts by looking at the characteristics of the lump. However, if needed, the dermatologist will take tissue samples or cyst fluid for examination in the laboratory ( biopsy ). A biopsy can be done at the time of surgical removal of the epidermoid cyst.

Epidermoid Cyst Treatment

Epidermoid cysts can stop growing and even go away on their own without treatment. However, if the cyst causes discomfort or interferes with appearance, the doctor can perform the following treatment methods:

Minor surgery, to remove the entire cyst
Drug injections, to reduce swelling and inflammation
Making a small incision in the cyst, to remove the contents in it
Laser therapy , to shrink the cyst

Keep in mind, do not squeeze the cyst, because it can cause infection. If you just squeeze it, the cyst can grow back. If the cyst bursts and releases fluid, cover it with a bandage and then go to the doctor immediately.