Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Epidermoid Cyst
Epidermoid Cyst
Epidermoid Cyst
An epidermoid cyst, also known as epidermal cyst, is a sac made of skin tissue. The sac contains a substance called keratin. Keratin is a protein that is normally secreted through the hair follicles. When keratin becomes trapped in the top layer of skin (epidermis), it can form an epidermoid cyst.
Epidermoid cysts can be found anywhere on your body. These cysts are usually harmless (benign), and they may not cause symptoms unless they become inflamed or infected.
What are the causes?
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A blocked hair follicle.
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A hair that curls and re-enters the skin instead of growing straight out of the skin (ingrown hair).
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A blocked pore.
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Irritated skin.
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An injury to the skin.
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Certain conditions that are passed along from parent to child (inherited).
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Human papillomavirus (HPV). This happens rarely when cysts occur on the bottom of the feet.
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Long-term (chronic) sun damage to the skin.
What increases the risk?
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Having acne.
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Being male.
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Having an injury to the skin.
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Being past puberty.
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Having certain rare genetic disorders.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Redness.
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Inflammation.
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Tenderness.
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Warmth.
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Keratin draining from the cyst. Keratin is a greyish-white, bad-smelling substance.
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Pus draining from the cyst.
How is this diagnosed?
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In some cases, you may have a sample of tissue (biopsy) taken from your cyst to be examined under a microscope or tested for bacteria.
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You may be referred to a healthcare provider who specialises in skin care (dermatologist).
How is this treated?
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Opening and draining the cyst, done by a healthcare provider. After draining, minor surgery to remove the rest of the cyst may be done.
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Taking antibiotics.
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Having injections of medicines (steroids) that help to reduce inflammation.
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Having surgery to remove the cyst. Surgery may be done if the cyst:
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Becomes large.
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Bothers you.
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Has a chance of turning into cancer.
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Do not try to open a cyst yourself.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
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If you were prescribed antibiotics, take them as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop using the antibiotics even if you start to feel better.
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as instructed by your healthcare provider.
General instructions
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Keep the area around your cyst clean and dry.
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Wear loose, dry clothing.
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Avoid touching your cyst.
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Check your cyst every day for signs of infection. Check for:
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Redness, swelling or pain.
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Fluid or blood.
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Warmth.
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Pus or a bad smell.
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Keep all follow-up appointments. This is important.
How is this prevented?
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Wear clean, dry, clothing.
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Avoid wearing tight clothing.
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Keep your skin clean and dry. Take showers or baths every day.
Contact a healthcare provider if:
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Your cyst develops symptoms of infection.
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Your condition is not improving or is getting worse.
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You develop a cyst that looks different from other cysts you have had.
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You have a fever.
Get help right away if:
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Redness spreads from the cyst into the surrounding area.
Summary
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An epidermoid cyst is a sac made of skin tissue. These cysts are usually harmless (benign), and they may not cause symptoms unless they become inflamed.
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If a cyst becomes inflamed, treatment may include surgery to open and drain the cyst, or to remove it. Treatment may also include medicines by mouth or through an injection.
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as instructed by your healthcare provider. If you were prescribed antibiotics, take them as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop using the antibiotics even if you start to feel better.
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Contact a healthcare provider if your condition is not improving or is getting worse.
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Keep all follow-up appointments as instructed by your healthcare provider. This is important.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
