Epidermoid Cysts – Diagnosis and Treatment
Epidermoid cysts show up as small, slow-growing lumps just beneath the skin. They’re noncancerous and usually pop up on the face, neck, or trunk.
Most of the time, these cysts don’t hurt and don’t need treatment. Unless they get infected or start bothering you, you can usually leave them alone.
Diagnosis
A health professional can spot most epidermoid cysts—sometimes called epidermal inclusion cysts or keratin cysts—during a regular skin check. These cysts often look like round, firm lumps under the skin and may have a small dark spot, the central punctum.
Doctors check the cyst’s feel and look to tell it apart from other growths like sebaceous cysts, pilar cysts, or dermoid cysts. Sometimes, they’ll take a scraping or a tiny sample and send it to a lab to confirm the type.
They might also order imaging tests like MRI or ultrasound if the cyst is deep or has odd symptoms that could point to infection or rare conditions like Gardner syndrome—a condition that can cause multiple epidermoid cysts along with colon polyps and a higher risk of cancer.
Here’s a quick comparison of common cyst types:
| Type | Origin | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Epidermoid Cyst | Epidermis, hair follicles | Usually benign, filled with keratin |
| Sebaceous Cyst | Sebaceous (oil) glands | Can contain oily lipid material |
| Pilar (Trichilemmal) Cyst | Root of hair follicles | Common on scalp |
| Dermoid Cyst | Embryonic cells | May contain hair or other tissue |
Differential diagnosis matters. It helps rule out infection, cancer, or other skin problems. If a cyst looks inflamed or infected—red, swollen, or painful—doctors may need to do more tests or try a different treatment.
Treatment
There’s more than one way to deal with cysts. If the cyst isn’t painful or embarrassing, you can just leave it alone.
But if you want it gone, here are some options:
| Treatment Option | Main Benefit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steroid Injection | Reduces swelling | Does not remove the cyst |
| Incision & Drainage | Quick symptom relief | Cyst might return |
| Surgical Removal | Less chance of cyst recurring | Possible scarring |
| Antibiotics | Treats infection | Used with other methods |
- Steroid Injection: A doctor can inject a corticosteroid to bring down swelling and irritation.
- Incision and Drainage: The provider makes a small cut and squeezes out the cyst’s contents. This relieves symptoms fast, but the cyst might come back.
- Surgical Removal: The whole cyst gets removed in a minor procedure, which makes it less likely to return. Stitches are often used, and they might dissolve on their own.
- Antibiotics: Doctors use these if there’s an infection.
If the cyst is inflamed, doctors might wait until things calm down before doing surgery.
Everyday Tips and At-Home Care
You can lower your risk of scarring and infection with a few simple steps.
- Don’t squeeze the cyst. That usually just makes things worse or causes infection.
- Try a warm, damp cloth on the area to ease discomfort and help healing.
- Always use clean hands and tools when caring for skin near the cyst.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
A little prep before your appointment can make things go smoother. Start by gathering your health info.
- List your health issues. Jot down any ongoing or past medical conditions.
- Write down medications and supplements. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, vitamins, and herbal stuff.
- Note recent skin injuries. Mention any cuts, surgeries, or wounds.
- Prepare questions for your provider. Think ahead. It’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask once you’re in the office.
Sample questions you might want to ask:
| Question | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Do I have an epidermoid cyst? | Clarifies diagnosis |
| What caused this cyst? | Understands risk factors |
| Is the cyst infected? | Assesses need for further care |
| What treatment options do I have? | Reviews next steps |
| Will there be a scar after treatment? | Sets expectations |
| Can this cyst return? | Considers recurrence risks |
| How can I reduce the chance of it happening again? | Prevention information |
| Does this cyst increase other health risks? | Checks for related problems |
Bringing this info—on paper or your phone—helps your provider give better advice.
Questions Your Healthcare Provider May Ask
During your visit, your provider will probably ask about your history and symptoms.
- When did you first notice the lump?
- Have you had similar lumps anywhere else?
- Any history of skin problems like acne?
- Does the lump hurt, bother you, or cause embarrassment?
- Any recent injuries or surgery in that area?
- Does anyone in your family get cysts or acne?
Answer honestly. It helps your provider pick the safest treatment and spot any deeper issues.
Actions You Can Take While Waiting for the Appointment
While you’re waiting to see your provider, don’t scratch, press, or try to pop the cyst. That almost always makes things worse—scarring or infection can follow. Keep the area clean and skip any home remedies that might irritate your skin.
If the cyst hurts, gently hold a warm, damp cloth over it for a few minutes. It can soothe things a bit, but it’s not a replacement for seeing a professional.
If you notice sudden changes—like more pain, redness, or swelling—don’t wait. Get medical help sooner. These steps can help protect your skin and make your appointment more productive.
