Skin cyst
How are cysts treated?
Cysts are usually harmless.If they're small and not bothering you, they can just be left alone.
You might find it helps to hold a warm flannel against the skin, to encourage the cyst to heal and reduce any inflammation.
Don't be tempted to pop the cyst, because if it's infected, you only risk spreading the infection andif the sac is left underneath the skin, it can grow back.
If you think the cyst is infected, see your GP as you may need antibiotics .
If the cyst is bothering you for example, it'scatching on your clothes or looks unpleasant itcan be removed. Your GP will usea local anaesthetic to numb your skin, make a tiny cut in the skin, and squeeze the cyst out.
This procedure will leave a scar . Also, the cystmay still grow back at later date, especially if it was removed from the scalp or scrotum (pouch of skin containing the testicles).
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
A skin cyst is a fluid-filled bump lying just underneath the skin. It's common and harmless, and may just go away without treatment.
What does a cyst look like?
A skin cyst looks like round, dome-shaped bump. It's yellow or whitish, often with a small dark plug through which you might be able to squeeze out pus. It can range in size from smaller than a pea t
Where are skin cysts found?
Epidermoid cysts (one of the main types of cyst) are commonly found on theface,neck,chest, shoulders or skin around thegenitals. These cystsaffect young and middle-aged adults, and areespecially comm
Why do epidermoid and pilar cysts form?
Some of the cells in the top layer of skin produce keratin, a protein that gives skin its strength and flexibility. Normally, these cells move upto the surface of the skin as they start to die, so the
How are cysts treated?
Cysts are usually harmless.If they're small and not bothering you, they can just be left alone. You might find it helps to hold a warm flannel against the skin, to encourage the cyst to heal and redu
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